By our Reporter
The Anglican Church of Kenya’s Social Development arm, the Anglican Development Service of Western Region has recently donated sanitary and hygiene supplies for survivors of sexual violence. They donated the products to Kenya’s police service gender desks across Kakamega County.
They did this in partnership with USAID Kenya as part of the “MWENDO” (Making Well-Informed Efforts to Nurture Disadvantaged Orphans and Vulnerable Children) project.
In a report credited to Voice of America, Kenya has seen a spike in sexual abuse cases during the pandemic. Kenya’s Ministry of Health said that last year they received reports of at least 5,000 sexual violence cases across the country, 65 per cent of them involving girls younger than 18.
“It is so encouraging to hear about the work of the church in Kenya showing the love of God and responding in a practical way”, Mandy Marshall, Project Director for Gender Justice in the Anglican Communion, said. “Period poverty is a huge issue that can prevent teenage girls in particular skipping school and missing vital education. Not having access to hygienic, clean, sanitary protection can lead to infection, pain and embarrassment. Providing sanitary products for women and girls in this way restores dignity and enables girls to continue their education.
“I would encourage all churches to see how they can do similar in their parishes demonstrating the practical love of God.
“I especially welcome the compassionate insight of the church in providing sanitary protection for survivors of sexual violence at police desks. In the midst of an incredibly traumatic situation, the church is providing practical love at the point of need.”
The Anglican Development Service Western Region was formed by the Anglican Church of Kenya in 1997. It is the development arm of six dioceses: Bungoma, Butere, Katakwa, Maseno North, Mumias, and Nambale. It operates under five thematic areas: climate change adaptation and resilience; food and nutrition security; universal health care and social protection; organisational development; and advocacy and governance.