This archive report was first published on 21 September 2019.
On September 21, 2019, a devastating incident shook Kenya, highlighting the country's deep-seated issues. A primary school girl took her own life after being ridiculed by her teacher for lacking sanitary pads.
This heartbreaking event should serve as a wake-up call for Kenya's leaders, prompting them to take concrete actions to address the struggles of the country's most vulnerable populations.
Every year, a significant portion of the national budget is allocated to the Ministry of Education, yet officials struggle to account for the funds allocated to purchase sanitary pads for girls from low-income backgrounds.
The recent outcry from elected women leaders demanding to know the whereabouts of the free sanitary pads funds seems insincere, especially considering their past actions.
It is puzzling that these leaders are more vocal about issues benefiting the middle class and wealthy women, such as the two-thirds gender rule, than they are about the plight of poor women.
Girls and women from poor backgrounds face unimaginable hardships, including sexual violence, rape, and domestic abuse. It is imperative that leaders prioritize their welfare and provide them with opportunities to break the cycle of poverty.
Kenya's leaders must recognize that their actions have a direct impact on the lives of their citizens. By prioritizing the needs of the poor, they can create a more just and equitable society.
