DHOBLEY, Somalia, Jan. 2 (AGCNewsNet) – Fourteen-year-old Ilhan Jimcaale Abdi, a student at Dhobley Primary School, has seen her life take a positive turn since receiving hygiene kits and mentorship from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) Female Engagement Team (FET).
“Before the program, we stayed at home and had a negative perception of education. Now we attend school regularly. We’re thankful to ATMIS for enabling us to stay in school,” said Ilhan, one of 270 girls benefiting from a three-year mentorship initiative led by ATMIS FET and the Dhobley Women’s Association.
The program, which focuses on personal hygiene and self-care, provides girls with essential hygiene kits containing sanitary pads, soap, and other materials. It also educates participants on managing their menstrual cycles, a critical factor in reducing absenteeism caused by menstruation.
Capt. Valarie Shikuku, the ATMIS Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Gender Officer, said the initiative goes beyond hygiene kits, offering girls the tools and encouragement to pursue their education and personal goals.
“Through our mentorship and educational programs, we’re equipping these girls with the knowledge to care for their health and inspiring them to believe they can achieve anything through education,” said Capt. Shikuku.
Historically, menstruation has hindered many girls’ education in Dhobley, leading to school absences due to stigma, lack of resources, and limited awareness. The ATMIS FET program, in collaboration with the Dhobley Women’s Association, is addressing these barriers head-on.
Fatima Abdi, chairperson of the Dhobley Women’s Association, highlighted the program’s impact on school attendance and confidence among girls. “Last year, many girls returned to school with increased confidence. This year, even more are joining, knowing they won’t miss class because of menstruation,” she said.
The mentorship initiative also aims to increase the transition of girls to higher education, reducing dropout rates and fostering long-term economic empowerment for women in Dhobley.
To commemorate World Children’s Day, the mentors held a session at Dhobley Primary School, engaging girls on personal hygiene and donating sports equipment and books to boys to destigmatize menstruation.
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the ATMIS Female Engagement Team for their remarkable efforts in empowering our students with valuable knowledge,” said Sadia Madobe, a teacher at the school.
The program underscores the broader goal of removing barriers to education for girls, creating a generation of women equipped to lead, thrive, and contribute to the prosperity of their communities.
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