Implications of Government’s Sanitary Towels Initiative on Curricular and Co-Curricular Participation of Secondary School Girls in Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

The government of Kenya is committed to end disparity in education by ensuring equity of access and participation of all girls and boys in education. This is evidenced through education policies in place such as the Government’s Sanitary Towels Initiative (GSTI) whose aim is to minimize barriers to education for girls and put them at par with the boys. This study sought to explore the efficacy of GSTI on educational access and participation of secondary school girls in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study employed Descriptive Survey design. The sample size was 329 respondents comprising of 316 secondary school girls, 6 class teachers, 6 principals and 1 education officer. Questionnaires, interviews and documentary analysis were utilized as data collection tools. Data was analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The study findings revealed that lack of sanitary towels has been a major issue affecting girls’ access and participation in education. GSTI has impacted the girls’ educational access and participation through enabling them to be always present in class, freely stand and answer questions, mingle freely even among boys, concentrate in study activities, volunteer to dust the board and feel comfortable in class during their menstruation period. The findings also indicated that through GSTI the girls have comfort, confidence, motivation and dignity leading to increased participation. In conclusion, GSTI has had a positive impact on girls’ access and participation in education and strategies should be put in place to ensure its sustainability.