This archive report was first published on 7 August 2019.
Published on October 20th, 2017, a documentary from Busia-Western Kenya shed light on the dire situation of girls and women in third world countries. The expose revealed that school girls were engaging in sex acts with boda boda operators in exchange for sanitary pads, raising questions about the government's priorities and the role of humanitarian organizations in aiding the poor girls.
The issue of poverty and culture has hindered the progress of women in Africa. In many cultures, women are still valued as mere properties by men, and in some parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan, women are not allowed to go to school. The story of Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by hardline Muslims for advocating education, serves as a reminder of the importance of education in empowering women.
Early marriages due to poverty have also been a significant challenge in Africa. Men with money often take advantage of such situations and engage in sex with minors. The Busia Sex for Pads Scandal, associated with Boda Boda operators, is a stark example of this issue.
Government policies in third world countries often fail to address the poverty levels of households, leading to conferences that yield little meaningful action. It is essential for governments and humanitarian organizations to unite and fight to protect the girl child and confront the challenges they face.
Women will play a significant role in Africa's progress, and it is crucial to embrace them. The transformation of the world has created a space for women to excel, and it is time for us to pause and ask ourselves hard questions about how we have stooped so low to the point of our girls exchanging their innocence for mere pads.
