In response to the rising rates of teenage pregnancy among school-going girls in Turkana, the Kenyan Chapter of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWEK) has launched a transformative initiative aimed at empowering boys and men to support vulnerable girls.
The program, known as IMARISHA MSICHANA, focuses on promoting the re-entry of affected girls into the educational system, offering them a renewed opportunity for academic and personal growth.
Recent data from the Kenya District Health Information System (KDHS) reveals that teenage pregnancy prevalence in Turkana stands at 19%, significantly higher than the national average of 15%. This underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address this critical issue and support the affected girls.
At a recent two-day “Men’s Conference” held in Turkana, Alfred Juma, County Coordinator of FAWEK, emphasized the crucial role that males in various roles can play in raising awareness about the dangers of early pregnancy and advocating for the re-engagement of girls in education.
“When key males, including school boys, boda boda operators, school patrons, and community champions, are well-informed and actively involved, it becomes feasible to safeguard the girls and enhance school re-entry rates,” Juma stated.
The IMARISHA MSICHANA program has already facilitated the re-entry of 195 girls who had previously dropped out of school due to teenage pregnancy. Juma commended both National and County Government sector actors for their efforts in creating a supportive environment for these successes.
Rael Akoru, Head of the School Health Program, highlighted the county’s robust awareness campaign addressing child health, education rights, and menstrual hygiene. Akoru urged the attendees of the conference to support girls during their menstrual periods, noting that the program’s innovative approach includes providing girls with skills to manufacture reusable sanitary pads.
“I am pleased that FAWEK has effectively integrated menstrual health materials into the program, empowering girls with essential skills,” Akoru remarked.
Mathew Esinyen, a school patron and conference attendee, shared his newfound understanding of how social norms, drug abuse, and HIV/AIDS exacerbate the challenges faced by young girls. He acknowledged the vital role men can play in addressing these issues and protecting girls from early pregnancy and school dropout.
“It is evident that teenage pregnancy is a significant challenge. Many of us were unaware of how men could contribute to safeguarding girls from these issues,” Esinyen said.
Aluoch Oketch, a community champion from Kakuma, praised the collaborative approach of the county and FAWEK. He stressed that men are integral to solving the challenges faced by school-going girls and highlighted the importance of their involvement in addressing gender-based violence, sexual health rights, and early marriages.
“Addressing teenage pregnancy requires the active participation of men and boys, who are often part of the underlying issues. Their involvement is crucial for finding lasting solutions,” Oketch concluded.
The two-day “Men’s Conference” provided attendees with valuable insights into menstrual health hygiene, HIV/AIDS prevention and control, gender concerns, and strategies for supporting girls seeking school re-entry.
Meza Mwanza