Challenges Facing Girls in Public Primary Schools in Accessing Sanitary Towels in Kasikeu Division in Makueni County

Abstract

This was a cross-sectional study on challenges facing girls in public primary schools in accessing sanitary towels in Kasikeu division in Makueni County. Specifically, the study sought to identify the challenges faced by girls in public primary schools in accessing sanitary towels and identify strategies put in place to address challenges faced by girls in public primary schools in accessing sanitary towels. The study was guided by the Social Exclusion Theory advanced by Starrin et al., (1999). Social exclusion attempts to make sense out of multiple deprivations and inequities experienced by people and areas, and the reinforcing effects of reduced participation, consumption, mobility and access among others. Sampling was purposively done to reach girls who are menstruating and within classes five and eight of upper primary in Kasikeu division and to identify key informants to the study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions and analyzed thematically guided by the study objectives. The findings indicate that the average cost of commercial sanitary pads were way above the affordability of the primary school girls compounded by high poverty level in Kasikeu division, poor families lack adequate clothing that could be converted into home-made sanitary rugs, lack of sanitary towels has a direct bearing on absenteeism. Similarly, the study established inadequate knowledge amongst girls and parents around menstruation hygiene management and lack of open discussion around the subject so mystified in secrecy amongst the people of Kasikeu. The study concludes that the high prevalence of poverty in Kasikeu division has constrained most girls and their parents from accessing the sanitary towels. Socially, lack of privacy for changing menstrual materials, leakage from poor quality materials, lack of resources for washing such as soaps, limited education for girls on menstruation and the taboo nature of menstruation are found to be constraint factors in the study