This archive report was first published on 12 September 2019.
Women MPs Condemn Public Shaming of School Girl, Face Backlash ¶
On September 12, 2019, over 10 female legislators in Kenya took to the streets to condemn the suicide of a class 6 pupil, Jackline Kipng'eno, who took her life after being publicly shamed for menstruation.
The women MPs, led by Nairobi Woman Rep, Esther Passaris, laid siege on the Ministry of Education, demanding action against the female teacher accused of publicly shaming the school girl.
However, their actions were met with ridicule and criticism from the public, who accused them of hypocrisy and failing to address the root issues of menstruation and hygiene for school-going girls.
According to respondents, the female lawmakers take too long to address issues related to menstruation and only react after misfortunes to seek attention from the general public.
Girls in marginalized areas lack access to sanitary towels, leading to 4 out of 10 girls missing school when on their periods.
As one respondent noted, 'the female lawmakers should have sponsored motions to distribute sanitary towels from time to time to keep girls in school.'
