Reproductive and sexual HEALTH
“Gradually, we are reducing the number of pregnancies in our schools and we are grateful that this program mentors the girls (and boys) in the right direction and equips them with all the information they need to stay safe, focused, and to take care of themselves and their bodies.”
Why?
In Nanyuki, as in much of Kenya, an issue that tends to underlie many of society’s challenges is the problem of gender disparity. As in many resource-poor settings, empowerment and education for girls is not a priority, and, consequently, we see the girls and women of our communities suffering disproportionately. Of this population, a large proportion have ended up as young single mothers without any source of income. Girls as young as ten have been married off. The 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey report indicates that approximately 24% of women aged fifteen to nineteen have an unmet need for contraceptive methods. They also report that 15% of girls between fifteen and nineteen have ever been pregnant.
The outcomes of poor sexual and reproductive health indicators include: unintended pregnancies, which can lead to unsafe abortion; a high risk of sexually transmitted infections; and, risk of miscarriage or preterm delivery. Moreover, adolescent pregnancies can exacerbate families’ resources and limit girls’ opportunities for economic and educational growth. Youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services and programs are critical to meeting the specific needs of adolescents in these contexts. The aforementioned pressures are insurmountable without knowledge of their bodies and rights. Additionally, gender-based violence has been on the rise within Kenya and has further perpetuated the notion that women are inferior to their male counterparts. Adolescent and young girls are one of the most vulnerable populations in any resource-poor setting.
Our Response.
Building on existing curricula, we have developed a locally and culturally appropriate program to deliver comprehensive adolescent sexual and reproductive health education to girls and boys within Laikipia County. The classes cover education on matters such as reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, consent, relationships, contraception and early pregnancies. We believe that access to sexual and reproductive health education should be recognized as a human right. Via extensive community engagement and outreach, we have created a sustainable model which, with the proper funding, can grow exponentially and impact hundreds of thousands of girls and boys.