FAWE Rwanda breaks silence on menstruation to keep girls in school

GICUMBI - The Forum for the African Women Educationalists Rwanda chapter (FAWE) in partnership with Rwanda Association of University Women, on Friday launched a campaign to break the silence on menstruation, to keep girls in schools. The function which took place at Groupe Scolaire Muhondo of Kageyo Sector, was presided over by legislator Pelagie Mukantaganzwa who was the guest of honour. In her address to students and teachers drawn from GS Muhondo,, ES Kageyo,GS Gicumbi and Kageyo SOS Children village, Mukantaganzwa said menstruation in girls is a normal biological occurrence that should not be used as a scapegoat for them to abscond from school. “Menstruation shows that the girls have reached puberty and should start adhering to health guidelines, by using sanitary pads, take regular baths and maintain hygienic conditions around their places of residence,” said Mukantaganzwa. She further called on parents to desist from backward traditional beliefs which only provided education to boys, leaving the girls to carry out household chores such as washing utensils, fetching water, firewood and cooking among others. “The current government of National Unity under the wise leadership of President Paul Kagame, has emancipated women from social discrimination by supporting girls to attain education to the highest level possible”. FAWE Rwanda National coordinator, Donatha Gihana, called on girl students to study with dedication because a bright future awaits them. “FAWE Rwanda is committed to support Rwandan girls excel in their education, by availing them material and moral support,” she said. Gihana further cautioned the girls against engaging in acts detrimental to their studies, such as early pregnancies and the practice of unsafe sex that puts them at the risk of contracting the HIV/AIDS virus. Gicumbi District Director of Education, Deogratius Mwanafunzi, said the 2010 District School statistics, show that the number of girls in Secondary Schools is higher than that of boys. “This shows that the District has adhered to the government’s program to promote girls’ education,” he said.Mwanafunzi called on parents to play an active role in the 9-Year Basic Education (9-YBE), program by participating in the construction of more classes, to guarantee education for all children. During the occasion, FAWE donated sanitary pads to female students, long lasting milk, fruit Juice and mineral water. Ends