In July, we partnered with Days for Girls, a non-profit advancing menstrual equity and health through increasing access to menstrual care and education. During our ten day trip we distributed over 350 feminine hygiene kits, hosted education gatherings for girls, and separately, for boys, and trained case workers to be advocates for feminine hygiene, health, and safety.
What does feminine hygiene and health have to do with education?
As it turns out, quite a bit!
Early marriage and teenage pregnancy are common among girls in Liberia. According to UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, nearly 11% of females initiate sexual activity at ages 11-14 and teenage pregnancy contributes significantly to dropout rates among female students.
Poverty breeds vulnerability - even at school.
Prevalence of gender based violence includes sexual abuse and rape. Sadly, teachers and administrators will extort sexual favors by threatening to expel or hold back students. Fear of retribution, stigma and shame silence many victims from ever reporting abuse but the Liberia National Red Cross Society reports that one in five students experience abuse from teachers, staff, or older students.
Education makes a difference!
67% of adolescent mothers have no education, compared to 17% of those with secondary and higher education. 26% of adolescent pregnancies are unintended and 30% end in unsafe abortions.
Days for Girls educational material offers factual information about puberty and menstruation to encourage increased body literacy, a healthy public perception of menstruation and decreased stigma and shame. Our Liberian staff is now equipped to teach and advocate for feminine health and safety.
Sexual exploitation is a grim reality from which we want to protect our students.
We continue to look for “torchbearers” who can partner with Keyara’s Gift to encourage safe education for students in Liberia. Can you help us reach our goal of sponsoring 126 students? We are already at 77% and currently have a matching grant for up to $12,000. Any amount towards the $600/student will be matched and make a big difference!
With gratitude,
Karen and Kreig
For Other ways to donate, visit: www.keyarasgift.org/donate
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