The ministry of education recently revealed to parliament that there are no funds for the distribution of free sanitary pads among gals whose families could not afford them although it was President Museveni’s campaign process.
After numerous criticisms of the government by the public and some vocal figures like Dr. Stella Nyanzi, the Democratic Party has asked the government of Uganda to find ways of availing sanitary pads to school going girls all over the country.
“There is a strong call for us to pause for a reality check and assess the real situation of the Ugandan girl child of school going age, more so the subject of them accessing sanitary pads and education,” said DP Party President Mao while addressing press in Kampala today.
The lack of sanitary pads has been named one of the reasons for the increasing dropout rate of young school girls in Uganda and it would be a good move if government helps out to find a solution to this problem. This should not be because President Museveni promised, but because its the right thing to do.
Mao revealed that the Democratic Party was launching a nationwide campaign in schools, colleges and universities to sensitize on sanitary pads use and accessibility.
According to a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report 1 out of 10 schools going girls skips 4 to 5 days when undergoing menstruation, for every 28 days cycle, which translates into an estimated 13 learning days per term.
Mao argued that while things like condoms are given freely and mostly go unused, sanitary pads which are a necessity are not available.
