Maximising opportunities for girls
Keeping teenage girls in school
Whilst working alongside the Head and Deputy Head of the Secondary School, we have become aware that the attendance by girls in later school years diminishes. Girls drop out of school, partly for financial reasons - if there is a choice to me made between a brother and sister - the brother will be sent to get an education.
Girls also miss weeks of schooling due to their monthly cycle. We feel strongly that all girls should be able to, and encouraged to, attend school all the time. During our last two visits we have been able to provide all the girls at the secondary school with reusable feminine hygiene packs. These were made by volunteers and include underwear, pads, soap, and storage bags. After the first year, the feedback from the Headteacher indicated that there had been a significant improvement in attendance. We have taught a number of girls to make their own pads using materials available locally. To support the community to tackle the issue is our preferred approach and we will be encouraging this going forward.
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