Introduction

In the 21st century, a time marked by incredible advancements, one might assume that necessities are accessible to all. Yet, this assumption falls short for many adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) living in rural areas and informal settlements, where access to essential menstrual products remains a significant challenge. While products like sanitary towels, reusable cloth pads, and panty liners are considered basic and affordable by many, they are still beyond the reach of countless AGYW in these marginalized communities. This lack of access not only affects their daily lives but also forces some to make desperate choices, such as skipping school or engaging in transactional sex, simply to obtain these essential items. This situation starkly highlights the persistent inequalities that continue to affect the most vulnerable members of our society.

Why do Teenage Girls get Pregnant?

The cheapest sanitary towel in Kenya costs around 80ksh which is expensive for the common Mwananchi. The dire situation raises important questions about the broader implications of poverty in these communities. If a family cannot afford 80ksh for a sanitary towel, how can they meet other basic needs such as food and education? As a result, girls are forced to exchange sexual favours such as transactional sex for basic needs, significantly increasing the risk of unintended pregnancies. 

Poverty plays a critical role in contributing to teenage pregnancy due to its far-reaching impact on multiple aspects of a girl’s life. In impoverished communities, access to quality education is often limited, preventing girls from receiving essential knowledge about sexual and reproductive health. This lack of education, coupled with insufficient access to affordable healthcare products, leaves young girls ill-equipped to make informed decisions about their sexual health.

Moreover, the absence of robust social support systems and the normalization of teenage pregnancies in certain cultural contexts further exacerbate the situation, making it difficult for girls to break the cycle of poverty and early motherhood. These interconnected factors demonstrate how poverty perpetuates teenage pregnancy, underscoring the need for targeted interventions that address both economic and educational disparities to safeguard the futures of young girls.

Ways of Ending Teenage Pregnancy

Addressing the menstrual health challenges faced by adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in rural and informal settlements requires a combined effort from both governments and NGOs. Governments should take several important steps to help. The government, under the department of Gender and Youth, should focus on educating people about menstrual health through school programs and public campaigns to reduce stigma and increase awareness. Improving sanitation facilities in schools and public places is another crucial step, as clean water and proper disposal options are necessary for good menstrual hygiene. Additionally, governments should partner with local NGOs to distribute menstrual products and provide support where it is needed most.

NGOs play a key role in this effort as well. They distribute menstrual products to areas that need them most and offer education on menstrual health. Organizations like Glowry Girls Foundation in Vihiga and the Global Menstrual Health Coalition not only provide products but also run workshops to instruct girls about menstrual hygiene. Many NGOs also work to change policies by advocating for better public health strategies and removing taxes on menstrual products. They empower young women through training and leadership programs, helping them become advocates for their own needs and their communities. Some NGOs are also promoting alternative menstrual products, such as reusable cloth pads and menstrual cups, which can be more cost-effective and sustainable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while progress has been made, ongoing efforts are necessary to create lasting change. Governments and NGOs must work together to develop and implement solutions that address the needs of the most vulnerable populations. By focusing on making products affordable, improving education, enhancing infrastructure, and empowering communities, we can ensure that all adolescent girls and young women have the access they need to menstrual products and can fully participate in their education and daily lives without disruption. Addressing menstrual health is a vital part of achieving gender equality and social justice, and it requires continuous commitment and innovation. 

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