A programme aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene and supporting girls’ education in Homa Bay County has helped reduce school dropout cases and enabled vulnerable girls to remain in school.
Nominated member of County Assembly (MCA) Yvonne Becky who is the patron of the program said the initiative was started on realization that some girls were missing classes due to challenges related to stigma, menstruation, poverty and lack of sanitary towels.
“We initiated the programme in order to uplift vulnerable girls. The programme promotes menstrual hygiene awareness, reproductive health education and supporting vulnerable girls with sanitary towels alongside mentorship sessions. “She said.
Speaking during a meeting with students from St Francis Nyangajo Girls, the MCA noted that menstrual hygiene and reproductive health were crucial in uplifting the education of girls. She urged girls to be focused and embrace education.
The Ward Rep noted that the programme has reached over 68 schools across the county and has engaged learners on the importance of proper hygiene and staying in school.
The programme also supports girls who had dropped out of school due to early pregnancies by ensuring that they returned to school. She noted that the programmes mentorship had enabled some schools to record zero pregnancies.
Yvonne said financial limitations remain one of the major challenges facing the initiative and largely depends on support from friends and well-wishers who share the goal of empowering girls through education.
She appealed to parents and community members to support girls’ education, saying educating a girl child creates a wider impact in society. “Many people usually say, when you give education to a man, you give it to a man, but when you give education to a girl, you give it to the whole community.” she said.
The MCA expressed optimism that continued community support and awareness programmes will help more girls complete their education and achieve their goals.
By Barasa Irene and Davis Langat
