MIGORI COUNTY: In a significant community support initiative, Charles Koyoo, Member of County Assembly (MCA) for God Jope Ward in Suna East Constituency, Migori County, has distributed sanitary towels and undergarments to 863 young girls. This gesture aims to address teenage pregnancy and support families struggling to provide basic necessities.
According to Kenya News Agency, the donation serves as a preventive measure against teenage pregnancy by reducing the vulnerability of girls being lured into unplanned sexual activities in exchange for basic items. He emphasized the importance of supporting parents, especially those who cannot afford such essential supplies for their daughters.
Koyoo highlighted that many fathers in the area have shirked their responsibilities, leaving their wives, who are often unable to provide, to care for their daughters alone. “It is with this in mind that I have strived to donate these items to help preserve the dignity of our daughters while in school,” he elaborated.
He also pointed out that the girls are often left exposed and vulnerable to exploitation by predatory men. Koyoo expressed concern over the rising rates of teenage pregnancy, early marriages, and acts of immorality among schoolgirls in the region, stressing the need for urgent and practical measures to address these issues.
The economic challenges faced by families in Migori County, particularly due to the collapse of the tobacco and sugarcane industries, were also highlighted by Koyoo. He noted that the financial hardships have made it difficult for parents to meet the needs of their young girls, including the procurement of sanitary towels.
Koyoo committed to providing sanitary towels to the girls every term, ensuring they can attend school and pursue their education without interruption. His initiative was warmly received by the beneficiaries. Verah Aoko, one of the girls, expressed gratitude, noting the challenge of obtaining sanitary towels due to financial constraints faced by their families.
Mary Atieno, a parent, appreciated the MCA’s gesture and advised the girls to remain vigilant and not be misled by young men promising to buy them sanitary items.
Each of the 863 adolescent girls across the ward received a donation comprising three pairs of underwear, a pair of biker pants, and three sanitary pads.