Nairobi News

Nasra Swai, Founder of Girl Get Up Initiative, has called upon Stakeholders and well-wishers to increase efforts to bring equity in learning institutions when it comes to the girl child.

She was speaking over the weekend when she visited Nkaimurunya High School in Kajiado North during the launch of the program.

According to Nasra the current prevailing economic situation in the country has increased the burden on the girl child when it comes to matters Menstrual Health Management (MHM) which kind turn has the potential to increase mental health.

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Good MHM plays a vital role in enabling young women and adults to reach their full potential.

“As an organisation, we are working towards bridging this gap as part of SDG number three on healthy living while at the same,” Nasra said.

Girl Get Up Initiative is a project borne out of the need to empower young girls who are going through various form of stigmatization, abuse and health challenges.

“I raise up my voice not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard,” she said.

Their main focus is to make sure the girls have access to free menstrual hygiene products, so they never have to skip a day in school when they are on their monthly period.

Provide Food donations to school children to improve nutrition, end classroom hunger, improve school attendance and performance.

She added that they are also collaborating to prevent child marriage and support girls.

“We defend girls’ rights to health, education and the opportunity to fulfil their potential and also enhance and strengthen efforts towards matters Mental Health.”

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“Taking time to appreciate talents in this learning institution which makes it fun for the learners and also brings together students and their teachers,” says Nasra, who is also the founder of Nara Luxury.

“Lack of sanitary products in schools may hinder girls’ ability to concentrate in class, attend school when menstruating, or at worst drop out of school,” said Gladys Mincha deputy Head teacher of the school.

During the event, Swai sponsored one girl to pursue her education until she clears the university.

“Low educational attainment affects girls’ life trajectories in many ways. Girls dropping out of school early are more likely to marry or have children early, before they may be physically and emotionally ready to become wives and mothers. This may affect their own health. It may also affect that of their children,” she added.

In Kenya, it is estimated that more than a third of teenage girls experience a depressive incident, compared to around 14 per cent of boys.

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