Menstrual periods come by surprise to nearly every woman and for school going girls, it’s like a nightmare since it may come when they are in class.
This exposes them to mocking from other pupils who may not have knowledge of the changes occurring in their bodies at that age. Sanitary towels play a big role in a girl’s life. However, those coming from poor families who can’t afford even just a pack find this a challenge. Schoolgoing girls might end up missing their classes for fear of being mocked or because of low self-esteem that comes with the confusion.
At that age, without anyone to guide them, they may even stay silent as they don’t know if it is a normal thing. The government should see to it that there’s an increase in the supply of sanitary towels to schools and also put in measures of having some towels placed at the washrooms.
Teachers, especially the female, should help girls in such situations instead of shaming them, they should talk to them privately to help them understand the changes their bodies are undergoing. Some tutors just call out the girls when they ask to leave the classroom to go to the bathroom, telling them to wait for break time.
When a girl suspects she may be getting her period in class, she won’t even be able to concentrate as all she will be thinking about is how she will stain her skirt and how she will cover herself to leave when recess finally comes. Shaming the girls might cause serious issues and even lead to dropouts due to humiliation, and in worse cases, suicide.
Let the sanitary towels be supplied in each learning institution to curb such incidents and keep them in school. It will also make them comfortable not being treated like they are sick.
Mombasa
