Young girls in Ukwala, Siaya County, just like others across the country, face significant challenges, including period poverty and early pregnancies, often leading to dropping out of school.
In response to this challenge, the Global Peace Foundation has provided girls aged 13 to 18 in the Ukwala sub-county with sanitary towels and sports equipment to support their education and general well-being.
Siaya County is ranked fourth in teenage pregnancies in Kenya, with a prevalence rate of 20.9% among girls aged 15 to 19, according to the Demographic Health Survey 2023.
This alarming rate has prompted local philanthropist and Global Peace Foundation Director, Daniel Ochieng and Canadian businessman Eric Omondi to initiate the Dongruok Dala Girls Football Tournament.
The tournament aims to engage girls in positive activities during their free time, reducing the risk of teenage pregnancies and encouraging school attendance.
“Teenage pregnancies have derailed the education of many young girls in Siaya. We believe that by keeping them occupied with sports and providing essential sanitary products, we can help them stay in school and secure a better future,” said Daniel Ochieng.
While specific data on period poverty (referring to lack of sanitary towels to use during menstruation period) and absenteeism in Siaya is limited, studies in similar contexts have shown that inadequate access to sanitary products leads to increased absenteeism and disengagement from school activities by girls, according to an article in a research journal by journals.plos.org.
By providing sanitary towels, the initiative aims to ensure that girls do not miss school during their menstrual cycles, thereby supporting their continuous education.
“The shame and stigma that come with lacking sanitary pads force many girls to stay home, missing out on crucial lessons. By providing them with these essentials, we are ensuring that no girl is left behind in education,” noted Eric Omondi, emphasising the importance of their efforts.
The football tournament serves as both a recreational and empowerment tool for the young girls, allowing them to build confidence and remain engaged in positive activities. Parents and teachers within the local community have observed that engaging in sports has not only kept the girls active but has also instilled discipline and teamwork, further steering them away from early pregnancies.
“This programme has changed the lives of many girls in our community. They now have hope and confidence in themselves. The sanitary pads will make a big difference in ensuring they don’t miss school, and the football tournament has given them something to look forward to,” remarked Joyce Atieno, a parent residing in Ukwala-Karuoth village where the tournament was held.
“This programme has given me hope and confidence. I no longer have to worry about missing school because of my periods, and playing football has helped me stay focused and positive about my future using my talent,” said Milly Auma, one of the beneficiaries of the initiative.
By Calvin Otieno
