Providing dignity for girls

 

The lack of access to sanitary pads, known in the Maasai area as dignity pads, is a pressing issue that many young girls face in the Maasai community. Access to hygiene products like dignitary pads has been limited due to financial constraints. The lack of pads has significant implications for young girls as it leads to absenteeism from school during menses, affecting their education and long-term prospects. Additionally, using unhygienic materials as substitutes for sanitary pads has increased the risk of infection and other health issues.

In partnership with Worldsesrve, a local organization in Kenya, PIPES is distributing pads to 200 girls monthly to needy girls. We will continually increase that number as resources increase.

Poor hygiene is one of the major causes of jigger infestation. Children are the most affected by jiggers since they may not take good care of themselves. Children from impoverished communities who are infected have difficulty walking and thus miss out on school and extracurricular activities. They usually isolate themselves from other children due to shame and stigmatization. We've treated over 3000 children and adults, removing pain and discomfort and helping them operate to their full potential.

Culturally, the Maasai community does not use latrines. Families dispose of waste in parts of their fast lands. Lack of proper waste disposal contributes to the spread of many diseases that can cause illnesses and death. It also aids the infection cycle of many bacteria and other germs that can be spread through contaminated soil, food, water, and insects such as flies.

PIPES has helped seven families build toilets and will continue to encourage the community, teach them about hygiene and sanitation, and support them in building toilets.

We are creating awareness and sensitizing the Maasai community on building toilets and latrines for proper waste disposal. This is because, when waste is disposed of properly, it promotes health by preventing contamination of the environment.