By Agnes Orang’o
Machakos women representative aspirant Selina Mwende has promised to ensure school going girls receive free sanitary towels if she is elected into office
Speaking to Education News, Mwende said she intends to partner with several developmental partners to ensure the project is a success.
She noted that she has already done the mapping of organizations in the county and talks to actualize the project are underway.
“Talks are underway and the administrations of the said organizations are awaiting confirmation once we get the opportunity to serve this great county,” she added.
Selina further pointed out that schools that will not be covered will benefit from the National Government Affirmative Action Fund every term.
She disclosed she will sponsor a bill on the same so that the program is also rolled out at the national level.
“If we can afford to issue condoms for free yet sex isn’t a necessity then I’m sure our country is rich enough to afford sanitary towels for our girls. We will also consider our male children by giving them boxers every time sanitary towels are being distributed,” she said.
She lamented that many cases of early pregnancies are fueled by lack of sanitary towels as girls fall prey to crooked men.
“We have traversed this County from border to border and I can assure you that this issue is very sensitive. Every month, girls in villages face stigma and ridicule because they can’t afford this essential commodity. 1 out of every 5 girls miss school for 3-5 days monthly because of their periods and this is seriously messing up their future,” Selina noted.
She noted that some men have taken advantage of such girls and offer them as low as Ksh 50 for purchase of sanitary towels in exchange of sexual favours.
