Influence of Dignity Kits Uptake on Daasanach Girls’ Attendance and Performance in Primary Schools in Ileret Ward, Marsabit County

Abstract

The study examined the uptake of dignity kits by Daasanach girls in primary schools in Marsabit county, Kenya. It specifically sought to: establish how uptake of dignity kits influence the performance of Daasanach girls in primary schools in Ileret ward, to examine how uptake of dignity kits influence the attendance of Daasanach girls in primary schools within Ileret ward and to describe the relationship between uptake of dignity kits and Daasanach girls’ enrolment in school in Ileret ward. The study employed a descriptive survey research design among 100 respondents. The unit of analysis was a Daasanach girl enrolled in a local primary school within Ileret. The assent was sought before the survey was conducted and also consent from the teachers who are in charge of the schools. The data was captured in Ms Excel, checked for completeness of the data set then proceeded to descriptive statistics. Presentations were done in tables and graphs. The findings indicated that Daasanach girls’ performance improved as a result of access to dignity kits. Concentration in class also improved due to the comfort and peace brought by the use of the packs. Girl’s school enrolment numbers went up in general with increase in class sizes numbers for girls and increased transitions from one class to the other. Findings in attendance indicated that girls reported minimal absenteeism during their monthly periods and thus were able to spend more time in class and in school. The girls also registered improved attendance with some recording 100% school attendance in a term. There has been considerable attention placed on increasing schooling in developing countries and especially of the girl child. This may be attributed to the fact that studies suggest female schooling has positive effects on health, wealth, empowerment, and the health and schooling outcomes of girls' own children later. The study recommends budget allocation for dignity kits to schools for local purchasing and distribution, Qualified counselling, and guidance teachers to help the girls as they transition in this stage and launch of a girl’s education themed campaign on girls’ education and advocacy of menstrual hygiene towards girls’ education. Providing students with adequate and timely information and promoting menstrual health is of utmost importance. Teachers and school staff should be trained to provide this kind of support especially in areas where culture plays part in girls’ education and sexual reproductive health. Teachers should be used as a reference for students’ questions on menstruation. To achieve this goal, schools need more support from partners in terms of capacity, resources due to the competing priorities.