A US-based lobby group has announced decision to donate reusable sanitary towels to over 1000 girls in Kenya following a case in Bomet where a girl committed suicide.
One Dollar For Life (ODFL), a non-profit organisation, will distribute the menstrual kits to adolescent girls through its Girls’ Equality Project (GEP).
Ms Jackline Chepng'eno, who attended Kabiangek Primary School in Konoin constituency, Bomet County, committed suicide when she was ridiculed for lacking sanitary towels.
So tragic was her case that it even made into headlines of reputable international media houses such as British Broadcasting Cooperation on Wednesday.
The needy 14-year old took her life on September 6, shortly after narrating her ordeal to her parents at Chemelet village.
Brenda Birrell, the programme director, noted that the Girls' Equality Project provides washable, reusable sanitary supplies to teenage girls in developing countries.
"The kits cost Sh500 ($5), but are provided at no cost to the girls,” she said in a statement.
“To help a girl stay in school for three years, at a cost of Sh500, may be one of the greatest investments in human potential on the planet."
In 2016, Kenyan parliament passed a legislation that compels the ministry of education to distribute sanitary towels to all schools as part of government initiative.
But to date, the directive is yet to be implemented. Many girls are said to be dropping out of school during their menses, a move that contributes negatively to their performance.