By Fredrick Odiero
More than 200 girls from a mixed school in Kisumu county have benefited from group of philanthropic women from the county who erected a modern an ablution block at a cost of Sh 0.6 million .
The Soroptimist International Kisumu/Winam chapter made the gesture at Joel Omino mixed secondary school.
Chapter president, Dr Margaret Oloo said they opted to put up the modern toilet for the girls at the school in line with the organisation’s policy of empowering women and making them feel comfortable and respected.
Dr Oloo who is a Kisumu based paediatrician said the organisation fights for women and girls’ rights.
Speaking during a handing over ceremony, Dr Oloo said they are against violence against women and girls and vowed to protect them at all levels.
Dr Oloo said many women and girls and were downtrodden, hence the need to empower them.
The medic said that Soroptimist International is a global service organisation for professionals and women in business. Dr Oloo said the Kenyan chapter has a total membership of 185 spread across 12 clubs. She said the Kenyan chapter of Soroptomists under the theme ‘Look Farther; Dr Oloo had achieved important milestone for the organization while engaging the public and, creating awareness to get women and girls involved in making a difference in their local communities.
She said the private has over the years honoured Soroptimist work and achievements including awarding Soroptimist clubs projects in Kenya.
A member of Soroptimist in Kisumu County Pamela Nehema said sexual violence against girls and women is rife in many parts of Kisumu County. She said many such cases go unreported since they are intimidated to keep quiet. Nehema said many girls drop out of schools due to cultural and social prejudices of many forms.
She said there are many instances where girls drop out of school during menstrual periods. Nehema said non-governmental organisatiopns and well-wishers should come to the aid of such girls.
Nehema said the situation is even worse in Northern parts of the cpuntry. School Principal Richard Nyawal commended the group for the gesture. Nyawal said they had earlier benefited from a water tank which was donated by the same group.
“Other organisations should come forward and emulate the group,” he said.
