Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has resolved to offer mentorship programmes on reproductive health to control early pregnancies, female genital mutilation and HIV-Aids among school going girls.

The resolution was announced during a mentorship session at Riokindo girls’ high school in Bomachoge Borabu constituency Kisii County Monday, which saw the members take the learners through reproductive issues.

The Association chairlady, Leah Sankaire Sopiato, explained that the mentorship approach was prompted by the ever increasing gap between the girl-child and her boy child counterpart.

Owing to the apparent social fabric break up, Sopiato announced that the boy-child and male actors will also be involved in the collective conversation to achieve equality and equity in the society.

The chairlady clarified the public education sessions on the learners will be executed by the association’s members irrespective of political party affiliation.

Kisii County Woman Rep Dorice Donya Aburi lamented over the current burden mothers bore in funding the girl-child to become responsible citizens in future.

She challenged the girls to refrain from indulging in early unprotected sexual relationships and instead reciprocate their parents’ efforts by excelling in academics.

Dorice commended teachers for their support in guiding the students and encouragement to achieve the goals.

Nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri who is also a member in the Senate Health Committee urged female students to report any menstrual anomalies in a bid to curb reproductive challenges among the girl child now and in the future.

During the occasion spearheaded by 11 women parliamentarians, the girls were provided with sanitary pads and books for general reading.

The KEWOPA team urged the society to assist the girl children acquire the sanitary pads which they noted had become costly owing to the harsh economic times.

Source: Kenya News Agency