Padding the Girl Initiative, an NGO targets to provide 1,500 girls in 12 primary schools in Nambale Constituency with free sanitary pads in a programme dubbed ‘Zero Early Pregnancies.’
Ms Maureen Odhiambo, The NGO’s Chairperson who eyes Busia Woman Rep’s seat in next year’s General Election blamed local elected leaders of ignoring the plight of young girls in the county.
“You don’t need all people in Busia County to effect change, you just need yourself and your voice as true change agents will automatically fight with you,” said Odhiambo.
She highlighted the need for the society to sensitize girls on the menstrual cycle and support them while undergoing it to empower them and minimize chances of immoral men.
Ms Odhiambo regretted that many girls missed classes during their menses which adversely affected their academic performance, noting that more need to be done to ensure undisrupted school attendance among girls.
“My intention is not actually to give pads only but rather to interact with these precious young lives and mentor them. I want to cultivate in them a winning mentality that will see them achieve anything they will dare put their eyes on,” said Odhiambo.
Matili Primary School Head Teache, Juveniles Okomba, praised the kind gesture from Ms Odhiambo, calling upon elites and politicians in the County to follow suit in order to improve education standards in the region.
By Absalom Namwalo
