The Beyond Zero, an initiative led by Kenya’s former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, has once again demonstrated its commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable school-going girls in West Pokot County by distributing period dignity packs. These packs, which include sanitary pads, underwear, soap, and petroleum jelly, are essential for many young girls, ensuring they can manage their menstrual health with dignity and continue their education uninterrupted. This distribution has been carried out in collaboration with the County Government of Pokot’s Health Services Department, strengthening the support network for these girls.
In addition to providing the dignity packs, the initiative goes further by educating the girls on good menstrual hygiene practices. These educational sessions are vital as they address not only menstrual health but also broader issues such as discouraging early pregnancies, drug and substance use and abuse, and promoting personal hygiene. The sessions also highlight the dangers of harmful cultural practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), aiming to empower the girls with knowledge and confidence to resist such practices.
This initiative aligns seamlessly with the Beyond Zero Strategic Plan 2023-2027, which emphasizes on keeping girls in school and eradicating period poverty. The slogan “Let’s keep our girls in school and end period poverty together!” encapsulates the core mission of the Beyond Zero initiative. By providing these dignity packs and educational sessions, Beyond Zero not only addresses immediate needs but also works towards long-term goals of gender equality and education retention.
The distribution took place in the last week of May 2024, coinciding with activities surrounding Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed on the 28th of May. This day serves as a global platform to highlight the importance of good menstrual hygiene management and the challenges many girls face in this regard.
The schools that benefited from this distribution include Kacheliba Mixed, Ngengechwo, Konyao Arid Zone, Karameri, Nakwijit, and Orolwo Primary Schools. Additionally, AIC Asilang, Kacheliba Girls, Ngotut, St. Dorcas SDA, Kalas, and Lokichar Primary Schools also received the dignity packs. The broad reach of this initiative ensures that a significant number of girls across various schools in West Pokot County are supported.
Through the combined efforts of Beyond Zero and the County Government of Pokot’s Health Services Department, this initiative is making a tangible difference in the lives of young girls. By addressing both the physical and educational needs of these students, the program is helping to build a brighter, more equitable future for the girls of West Pokot County.
#GirlsEducation #MenstrualHygiene #EndPeriodPoverty