Girls' Issues
Female high school students in Kenya and the world allover are resilient despite the number of adversities that they have faced and continue experiencing such as menstrual issues, gender inequality which limits access to educational and other opportunities, etc. The purpose of this section is to slowly provide female students with solutions and advice relating to some of the hardships they may be going through as girls and women.
Adolescence and Menstrual Issues
This is a sensitive matter, but we want you to always remember the following:
- Be confident and happy in your own body. We all develop and grow differently from the other person hence embrace all attributes (the good and the bad) which come with this period of growth. This phase will not last for a lifetime.
- Do not worsen your skin condition by trying different products without doctor’s advice e.g., if you are suffering from acne. This will get better over the years without the use of harsh chemicals, ointments, creams and the like which may end up damaging your skin.
- Embrace cleanliness. Water and soap and any other products of choice should be your best friends always when it comes to hygiene issues and especially when you are on your menses. However, try to use products that do not irritate your skin, and which are also affordable.
- Menstrual Health products including sanitary towels may be difficult to get owing to the economic situation in many developing countries including Kenya. However, please do not get involved in transactional activities like sex in order to obtain these health products. Instead take advantage of the government provided sanitary pads which are distributed to schools. There is no shame in taking the packets provided under various government programs and other programs ran by NGOs as it boosts your hygiene and health too by helping you avoid infections that would have resulted from the use of other alternatives.
- If you are unable to access sanitary towels, please talk privately to your teachers, parents, and guardians. They can help purchase reusable pads or menstrual cups which you can use for longer periods of time and without additional costs. However please note that reusable pads need to be kept clean. You can use normal detergents, soaking in cold water to avoid stains immediately after use, and allowing them to hang dry. On the other hand, menstrual cups can be washed using boiling water or sanitized before and after use to avoid yeast infections for example among other infections.
Sexual Abuse and Early Pregnancies
Sexual abuse of girls including high school students and teenage pregnancies in many countries including Kenya have both been prevalent for years now. This has affected the academic and social life of many girls. The government has taken several measures to curb the problem, but it is still prudent to let our girls know a few pointers to protect themselves, their babies, and their future too.
- Avoid walking alone in the dark or in unfamiliar routes to avoid sexual and other attacks. Take a trusted female friend or female relative if possible on your excursions. Always stay alert and run for your life if you feel there is something wrong or suspicious at any moment. Better safe than sorry.
- Avoid lifts from strangers and suspicious relatives too- the dangers of this has been reiterated by parents, guardians, teachers, and many others. It carries the risk of kidnapping, rape, and even in worst cases scenarios murder or the disappearance of persons that are never traced.
- Do not trust everyone including relatives. The latter have been known to take advantage of children including teenagers when no one is around.
- Talk to a trusted adult about any suspicious behavior (including ‘side eyes’, groping, winks etc.) from anyone including relatives or teachers. Do not stay silent, it could mean life or death
When abuse has occurred:
- Please do not blame yourself. There are no such factors like “I should have dressed better/more decently”, “I could have tried harder to avoid his advances”, etc. The perpetrator IS the problem and NOT you.
- Report the incident immediately or as soon as you are in a safe place. Get a support system of friends and relatives or trusted acquaintances to help you get a rape kit (including the P3 Form) and report to the relevant authorities including the police and children’s department as applicable. This will enable you get the help needed including medical care. E.g., doctors may need to initiate an oral preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention among other actions. Some of these medical procedures have a very short timeframe within which the procedures can be effective hence speed is of essence.
- Most important of all do NOT remain silent. You can call the Childline Kenya helpline on 116 and other helplines or reach out to us for help.
- In case of pregnancy, get professional advice on the next steps, including taking care of the baby (pre-natal and post-natal) or putting the baby up for adoption.
- Try to re-enroll in school even if it is a different school so that you can complete your education. There are several day schools in Kenya that will happily enroll you if you have no one to leave the baby with for long periods of time as you study. This can give you a chance to feed your baby or pump milk during lunch breaks for example.
- You can also take up certificate courses and training in your field of choice. This will give you a source of livelihood in future and enable you to support your family in the long run.
- Whatever you do, please keep on moving forward and do NOT lose hope for a better future
Female genital mutilation (FGM)
Despite being a violation of human rights and campaigns against it, the practice continues in some ethnic communities in Kenya resulting in detrimental health effects for our girls. This is in addition to ruining the lives of the victims as most communities deem such girls to be ‘grownup’ after the ritual and ready for wedlock hence must drop out of school to get married and have children. Even where the girls put a fight and go back to school, the harrowing experiences do not allow them to continue with their childhood in a normal way or participate in school activities.
How can you get help?
- The first step starts with a conversation- breaking the silence. The stigma associated with FGM is slowly wanning as more and more people including elites in our society talk about this issue.
- Do not be afraid to talk to a trusted teacher at school. Also speak to your local chief, assistant chief and even the police. The chief’s camp or police station does not necessarily need to be the one near your hometown or locality for safety reasons. Whichever station you choose is alight as these law enforcers will be able to get you the help needed including taking you to the hospital if the ritual has already been done and arresting the culprits. Even if the ritual is yet to take place, you may run away and report to the authorities to save your life as you may end up either bleeding to death during the ‘cut’ or later from childbirth due to the associated complications.
- There are several rescue centers and safe houses/communities for girls in which the authorities can place you in. This will enable you get the vital support needed to avoid FGM or heal from the rite and stay in school.