Lucia Mbugua, Nakuru governor’s wife has issued a directive to all public primary schools to provide sanitary towels to their pupils.
Mbugua says that the county budget had cash set aside for the provision of such items. She lamented that many children were often forced to skip schools while they were having their periods due to the unavailability of the towels.
“This is a fundamental requirement and it is a shame the many girls do not attend classes for about four days every month which eventually affects their performance,” she added.
She raised the alarm over the lack of sanitary disposal bins in the schools claiming it forced the students to stuff the used pads in the toilets.
Mbugua also lamented the increased cases of early marriages and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the area, saying that this has contributed greatly to the high dropout rates in the area.
She cited that her Read Aloud campaign sought to carry a door to door initiative talking and encouraging parents to shun such practices.
At the same time, she asked the ministry of trade in the county to create an exhibition room for all women groups in the area in their offices
Mbugua said that majority of the women have creative projects and ideas but could not get a market for their products as they did not have the needed exposure.
“They have weaved wonderful baskets, mats and even pen holders but they do not have any access to the market. The fact that many businesspeople visit the trade offices would encourage people to see and buy the products,” she added.
She argued that the women group in the area were often approaching her seeking for support in the sale of their goods.
Mbugua argued that this will also help in promoting local talents in the county.
She also urged MCAs to pass laws and policies that will fight and protect women against discrimination and unfair treatment.
She was speaking at Nakuru’s Nyayo gardens during the commemoration of this Year’s International Women’s Day.