Without sanitary towels: the experiences of primary school girls in Korogocho slum, Nairobi

Abstract

This was a study that investigated the experiences of primary school girls without sanitary towels:The study was limited to understanding the relationship between lack of sanitary towels and performance of girls in selected primary schools in Korogocho. It examined the effects of lack of sanitary towels on girls' self esteem. It also sought to reveal how the lack of sanitary towels has influenced girls' school attendance. Moreover the study sought to establish the effects of lack of sanitary towels on girls' participation in class and co-curricular activities.Finally, it investigated the ways in which the girls cope with lacking access to sanitary towels. The pupils were the main respondents. The demographic data helped to establish background of the respondents. The sample was drawn from standard five, six, seven and eight primary school pupils.Data was generated from both secondary and primary sources. Purposive sampling was applied to get the location and district in which the units of observation have the required characteristics. The two schools in Korogocho slums purposively selected were Ngunyumu and Daniel Komboni primary schools. The tool for data collection was a set of questionnaires specifically designed for pupils.A key approach adopted by the study was Focus Group Discussion (FGD) supplemented by in-depth interviews and also the study made use of direct observations that were guided by an observation guide or check list. Furthermore the inferential and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.Data was coded and entered into the computer for analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).The findings were useful in establishing the effects of lack of sanitary towels on girls' participation in education. Most of the respondents cited that their self- esteem war affected without sanitary towels (19.5%) were happy with themselves during menses, (54%) were not happy, while (25.6%) were average with themselves. The study also revealed that attendance in school was affected whereby (78%) of the respondents are found to be missing school during menses while (22%) was found to be attending school during their menses. On the girls' participation in class (78%) indicated that they did not answer questions in class actively and the same did not concentrate in class. while (22%) participated in class. In participation in the co-curricular activities (51.2%) revealed that they did not participate where as (48.8%) . The study indicated that majority of the respondents (78%) can not afford sanitary towels and therefore have deviced ways of coping with the menses. (22%) use sanitary towels. Recommendations sought to put in place measures that will improve participation of the girl child in education. Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations were made.That is Provision of adequate sanitary facilities to girls in all schools regardless of the socio-economic status, Development of sound educational policies to create awareness of adolescent girls needs for sanitary towels and general hygiene. Inculcate awareness in stakeholders namely the community and parents/guardians, teachers on adolescent needs for protection and safeguard of their self esteem.Also to develop relevant training for teachers and educational officers on adolescents psychology and development and impact of sanitary towels on girls overall education. The ministry of Education to Finance the provision of sanitary towels in all schools; primary, secondary and tertiary institution as a policy.