Meru MP launches sanitary pads distribution drive to end period poverty

The Meru County Woman Representative, Elizabeth Karambu has launched a sanitary pad distribution programme targeting primary schools in North Imenti, Central Imenti and Buuri constituencies in a bid to address period poverty and keep girls in school.

‎Karambu, popularly known as Mama Safi, launched the initiative at the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) headquarters in Makutano.

‎She said the programme aims to empower the girl child, protect their dignity and ensure that lack of menstrual products does not interfere with access to quality education.

‎“Poverty is a thief. When parents struggle to put food on the table, buying a packet of sanitary pads becomes an impossible luxury,” she said during the launch, adding that lack of these basic necessities not only causes discomfort but also exposes girls to dangerous vulnerabilities, as some may be forced to seek money for sanitary pads from unsafe sources.

‎According to the legislator, such desperation often leads to three major risks — gender-based violence, teenage pregnancies and exposure to HIV and other infections.

‎She noted that there have been cases where young girls are manipulated by older men who offer small amounts of money in exchange for sexual favors.

‎“This is not love but violence and abuse and it must stop,” she said.

‎On teenage pregnancies, Karambu said the consequences are life-changing for young girls.

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‎“A teenage mother is not a statistic. She is a child who has had to become a woman overnight. She faces stigma, health risks and interrupted education,” she said.

‎She reiterated that desperation can push girls into risky behaviour that exposes them to HIV and other infections.

‎“Our bodies are temples of God and we should protect them at all costs. No material gain is worth your health or your life,” she said.

‎The programme is being implemented through the NGAAF office, which Kairemia said is working to ensure girls from vulnerable families have access to sanitary pads.

‎She emphasized that education remains the most powerful tool for empowering the girl child.

‎“Our girls should not miss classes because of their periods. Education is the only jewelry that nobody can steal from you and it does not have an expiry date,” she said.

By John Majau.