This archive report was first published on 13 July 2021.
July 13, 2021 - In a bid to prevent early pregnancies among schoolgirls in Busia County, the Padding the Girl Initiative has launched a programme dubbed 'Zero Early Pregnancies.'
The initiative, which targets 1,500 girls in 12 primary schools in Nambale Constituency, aims to provide them with free sanitary pads.
Ms Maureen Odhiambo, the Chairperson of the NGO, who is eyeing the Busia Woman Rep's seat in next year's General Election, has blamed local elected leaders for ignoring the plight of young girls in the county.
'You don't need all people in Busia County to effect change, you just need yourself and your voice as true change agents will automatically fight with you,' said Odhiambo.
She emphasized the need for the society to sensitize girls on the menstrual cycle and support them while undergoing it to empower them and minimize chances of immoral men.
Ms Odhiambo regretted that many girls missed classes during their menses, which adversely affected their academic performance, noting that more needs to be done to ensure undisrupted school attendance among girls.
Matili Primary School Head Teacher, Juveniles Okomba, praised the kind gesture from Ms Odhiambo, calling upon elites and politicians in the County to follow suit in order to improve education standards in the region.
