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The government has been urged to reduce the cost of sanitary towels to protect vulnerable teenage girls from exploitation by sexual predators. Speaking during the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) at Whispers Park in Nyeri town, one such victim of exploitation, Lucy Wanjiru shared, her experience.

“At 17, I was lured by a man who offered me sanitary towels in exchange for sexual favours. I became pregnant, and he abandoned me,” she revealed.

Now aged 18 years, has since formed a support group with other teenage mothers in her community. Together, they campaign against the exploitation of girls and share their experiences to encourage change.

Wanjiru called on the government to establish facilities in schools where teenage mothers can breastfeed their children.

Speaking out

Jamila, a representative from the Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW), emphasised the importance of reporting GBV cases.

“We encourage women and girls to speak out and report such cases. Silence only normalises this violence,” she said and acknowledged that many survivors hesitate to come forward due to fears of being ignored or the high costs associated with pursuing justice, such as hiring lawyers.

Nyeri Central Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Ngunyi Maina, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to combating GBV.

“The government is working with stakeholders to address this issue. Chiefs and their assistants in my sub-county have been instructed to join this initiative,” said Maina.

On Tuesday, hundreds of activists and stakeholders marched through the streets of Nyeri town to raise awareness about the devastating effects of GBV.

This year’s theme for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is ‘Time to Act Now’.

Observed annually from November 25 to December 10, the campaign seeks to raise awareness and inspire action to end violence against women and girls globally.