By Nyang’au Araka
A total of 42,536 girls in comprehensive schools across Nyamira County are set to benefit from a sanitary towels programme aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene and keeping them in school.
The initiative, implemented through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), was launched by County Woman Representative Jerusha Momanyi at KEA Comprehensive School in Ekerenyo Ward, North Mugirango on Monday.
Also Read
Momanyi said the programme seeks to protect girls’ dignity and ensure menstruation does not become a barrier to education.
“Every girl child deserves equal opportunities, a safe learning environment and the confidence to pursue her dreams,” she said.
During the visit, Momanyi also distributed three tents to Mwanyataige Self-Help Group, Nyamatumbato Self-Help Group and Nyamotaro Smart Welfare Women Group to support their community activities.
She further extended support to seven youth football teams in Ekerenyo Ward by providing jerseys and footballs to promote talent development and participation in sports.
The beneficiary teams were Sere FC, Kea FC, Mwancha Girls FC, Ekerenyo Hammers FC, Young Rangers FC, Kea Primary School Team and Kea Secondary School Team.
Momanyi said sports were important in nurturing talent, promoting discipline and teamwork, while keeping young people engaged in constructive activities.
She added that youth empowerment initiatives could also help promote the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV), mutual respect and peaceful coexistence in communities.
“Our young people deserve opportunities to discover and develop their talents, improve their livelihoods and become responsible members of society,” she said.
The programme also included visits to elderly residents, who received warm blankets ahead of the colder and potentially wetter season.
Momanyi said older members of the community deserved dignity, care and support, describing them as custodians of the community’s history, wisdom and values.
She also held discussions with residents to listen to their concerns and gather views on practical ways of addressing local challenges.
“Meaningful development begins by listening to the people and working together to identify sustainable solutions,” she said.
Momanyi said she remained committed to initiatives supporting women, girls, young people, the elderly and other vulnerable members of Nyamira County.
