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By Isabella Maua
Lack of sanitary pads and knowledge on menstrual health has played a big role in promoting gender-based violence in Bungoma County, with many girls dropping out of school as a result.
Speaking during the launch of free sanitary pad distribution to primary schools in Kapsokwony Mt. Elgon, Bungoma Women Representative Catherine Wambilianga observed that many girls, especially in the marginalised region, have been neglected.
“It is saddening that our girls have traded their innocence for a packet of sanitary pads. Being an advocate of the girl child and holder of affirmative action funds, it is prudent to save these precious daughters of ours,” noted Wambilianga.
Cheruto Komen, the chairperson Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA), lauded the noble gesture from the Women Representative, calling upon other leaders to emulate her.
“We are delighted as the education fraternity; the availability of these quality sanitary pads will greatly curb absenteeism, which has lately been chronic among our less fortunate girls,” observed Komen.
In her speech to the leader, teachers, and pupils present at Kapsokwony DEB School, Wambilianga emphasised that providing sanitary pads to the school-going girls will not only empower them but is also a measure to ensure zero tolerance to gender-based violence.
“I am not only determined to empower the girls but also the boys who impregnate them; that is why I have an ongoing Wambilianga Super tournament that has been successful thus far across all subcounties in the region,” she divulged.
She further noted that the tournaments, which have incorporated youthful boys and girls, are targeted to fight GBV through nurturing talents in football and promoting harmonious living in society.
John Barasa, one of the clergy in the region, said,
“Such tournaments are crucial in keeping our youths busy and keeping them off vices that may come up as a result of idleness. We are proud of our Women Representative and fully behind this initiative.”
Wambilianga also distributed tents to each ward in Mt. Elgon and flagged off the first batch of 50,648 sanitary pad packets under the slogan “Bleeding is my pride.”
The occasion was graced by area MCA Elgon ward George Kwemoi, DCC,ACCs, area chiefs and opinion leaders.