The need for protection: how sanitary care can improve the lives of African girls

Build Africa works with local communities to ensure that every child, regardless of gender, has access to a quality education. The education of girls is a priority. In Uganda and Kenya, as elsewhere in the developing world, a variety of factors work against female education, including ingrained beliefs and practices that fail to appreciate the value of sending girls to school. As Panina Wambua, a School Management Committee member at Itherero Primary School in the Naivasha District of Kenya, tells us:

"In the school I have three children and six grandchildren. The problem we have is that many of the parents (because of their tradition) at times do not want to educate the girls, and this has been a hindrance. Not all parents understand the importance of education. At times mothers who are single parents are forced to make their child go and get married because the income is not there. Recently there was a famine in this part of Kenya and because of this some parents encouraged their daughters to get married because they could not afford to keep them."

There is a great deal of pressure on girls to leave school before they complete their studies: the withdrawal of family support, for example, or the sudden pressure to marry or to leave the community to find a job. Activities such as farm work, household chores and caring for other children also mean that girls are in the fields or in the home when they should be in the classroom. However, one simple contributing factor has recently been highlighted as having a huge impact on absenteeism amongst girls:  post-pubescent girls were missing school as many as five days each month due to inadequate menstrual care. In the rural locations where Build Africa works the impact of menstruation upon girls is particularly noticeable because of a lack of toilet or washing facilities, a lack of privacy, and a lack of sanitary products. Because of the fear of embarrassment girls attend school irregularly, perform poorly, and eventually drop out.

Studies such as that carried out by the Said Business School at Oxford University have shown that sanitary protection raises the educational opportunities of girls in developing countries, improving attendance, concentration, confidence levels and participation in a range of everyday activities. As Catherine Dolan, a member of the study team, points out: "These improvements in girl's self-esteem are particularly important. A positive self-image will not only provide girls with a more rewarding and effective experience of school but will help them to participate fully in their families, communities and societies."

It is a conclusion wholly supported by our field staff and beneficiaries. Panina Wambua is in no doubt as to the benefits of sanitary protection:

"Here at Itherero Primary School we have been having help from Build Africa, they have built for us four toilets which are very beautiful and we are very grateful for that. Last time Build Africa came and they bought us some sanitary towels for the girls. I think my girls have been very grateful and very happy because of the pads. Because they know now, even when their periods appear, they are not going to be fearful. They enjoy, because they have the protection. So thank you for doing a very great job. With the provision of sanitary towels we can provide education for all the girls."

In 2010 Build Africa will continue to ensure that girls have access to separate latrine facilities. We will supply over 13,000 sanitary pads and support local radio broadcasts to discuss issues which contribute to high drop-out rates amongst girls. It is a simple formula, but it works. With better sanitary protection comes the confidence to go to school and with improved attendance comes the opportunity to sit exams, to succeed at secondary school and ultimately to become an active, informed and respected member of the community.

The education of parents about health issues and the primary importance of female education are central to the School Development Plan process. Change does not happen overnight but without community members like Panina Mambua this process would be impossible. She (and countless others like her) is the catalyst transforming the education opportunities of girls all over rural Africa.