In marking World Contraception Day, Armstrong Women Empowerment Centre visited Bungu Koraga and Rongo Primary schools in Rabuor, Kisumu East Sub County to sensitize girls on their sexual reproductive health and rights.
Celebrated globally on the 26th of September, it is marked to highlight the importance of affordable and accessible contraception care to all, with this year’s theme being, it’s your life it’s your responsibility.
Working in partnership with Women Fighting AIDS in Kenya (WOFAK) a local non-profit offering sexual reproductive health support to the vulnerable, the team was warmly welcomed by the girls and schools’ staff.
Yvonne Okundi, WOFAK Coordinator Kisumu County and guest of honor posed a pertinent question to the girls: Do you understand what sexual reproductive health is?
Many of the responses from the girls ranging from grade 5 to grade 8 touched on menstruation and the process of menstruation.
“Your sexual reproductive health encompasses not just your menses but also family planning, HIV/AIDs and the health of your reproductive parts,” Mrs. Okundi explained.
A 2014 report by the Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS) showed that 1 in every 5 school going teenage girls gets pregnant by the age of 20; with the national teenage pregnancy, the prevalence rate is 18%.
The same report showed Kisumu County registered a prevalence rate of 15% still higher than the global average of 11%.
After a productive session on sexual reproductive rights, the Armstrong team took the girls through girls a personal hygiene session.
This included demonstrating to the girls how to use a sanitary towel and proper hygiene practices during their menses.
One of the students also got the chance to show their peers how to properly put on a sanitary towel.
“Sometimes you’re lured by men with the promise of providing sanitary towels if you sleep with them. Don’t fall prey to this. Ask for support from your parents, teachers, and community. We will also support you where we can,” said Elva Ondiek, Director of Armstrong.
In 2017, President Uhuru Kenyatta signed into law The Basic Education Amendment Act that would allow girls who have reached puberty receive free sanitary towels, to reduce the number of girls missing school during their cycle.
A 2016 report by UNESCO showed that 1 in 10 girls miss school in Sub-Saharan Africa during their menstrual cycle.
Armstrong seeks to support government efforts by also offering sanitary towels to the girls. A total of 96 girls benefitted from the exercise.