Hundreds of schoolgirls in Kisumu County are set to benefit from a sanitary towels distribution initiative spearheaded by the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), aimed at addressing the social and economic barriers affecting girls’ education.
Education stakeholders in Kisumu East Sub-county said many students have struggled to access menstrual hygiene products due to poverty and low household incomes, negatively affecting their self-esteem and academic performance.
“Due to poverty and low income among parents, our students have been facing challenges accessing menstrual products for proper hygiene. This has diminished their self-esteem and hindered their concentration in school,” stakeholders said.
Studies indicate that nearly 15 per cent of young girls face difficulties accessing sanitary towels, exposing them to stigma, absenteeism and low self-confidence, factors that may affect their academic progress.
The sanitary towels distribution programme is being implemented by NGAAF in partnership with Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga.
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Speaking during the exercise, Kisumu County NGAAF Coordinator Timothy Nyandusi said the initiative targets learners across all eight sub-counties in the county.
“We will visit all eight sub-counties to ensure students are covered under the NGAAF programme. We have already visited Seme, Muhoroni, Kisumu and Nyakach, and soon we will be in Kisumu Central,” he said.
Beyond menstrual hygiene support, the programme also focuses on youth business support and women’s economic empowerment, including sensitisation on gender-based violence.
School administrators and community members welcomed the initiative, saying it would help address challenges that prevent girls from attending school consistently.
“Stakeholders and partners should continue supporting our young girls to ensure they do not miss classes because of stigma or lack of sanitary towels, which may hinder them from achieving their dreams,” a school headteacher said.
The support is expected to boost the confidence of students, especially those from vulnerable families facing financial hardships.
By Ochola Victor
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