63% of school-going girls in Trans Nzoia County lack access to sanitary pads

By Saka Richard

63% of school-going girls in Trans Nzoia County face immense challenges in accessing sanitary towels, resulting in the use of unorthodox alternatives such as old sweaters and mattresses to manage their monthly menstrual cycles.

Lucia Musau The chair lady of the LM Foundation Said they are  dedicated at eradicating menstrual poverty in the country; affected girls miss five to six days of school every month due to the unavailability of sanitary pads.

“It is worrying that most girls miss lessons for about a week in a month as they have no access to sanitary towels since they come from poor backgrounds,” Ms Musau spoke at Immaculate Conception Girls Mukuyu in Cherangany constituency.

Musau, who was accompanied by a group of passionate female golf enthusiasts to donate pads and pants to girls at the school, urged the government to classify sanitary towels as a basic need.

The school Principal, Sally Nyongesa  underscored the severity of the situation by revealing a significant increase in absenteeism among female students due to the lack of sanitary pads.

“I call upon compassionate individuals and organizations to rally together and support girls, particularly those in rural areas who are most in need of assistance. This will guarantee their learning,” said Mrs Nyongesa.

The Trans Nzoia KUPPET gender representative Immaculate Cheserem said most boarding schools are affected, making it challenging for such girls to compete effectively with the boys.

“It is worse in schools without  access to piped water many girls are exposed to bacterial and fungal infections,” said Ms Cheserem.

A student at the school, Viviane Achieng, said many girls unable to acquire  sanitary towels go through challenging experiences whenever they are having their periods.

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