Breaking Barriers For Maasai Girls’ Futures
Introduction
In honor of International Day of the Girl Child, Huru International is reflecting on this year’s theme: Girls' Vision for the Future. Around the world, girls envision a future where their voices are heard, where they can pursue their dreams and lead change in their communities. For Maasai girls in Kenya, that future remains distant, tied down by deep-rooted traditions and cultural expectations. But with the support of organizations like Huru International, these girls are beginning to rewrite their futures, one step at a time.
The Weight of Tradition
In Kenya, the Maasai people are renowned for preserving their deep-rooted traditions, which shape every aspect of life, from language and dress to strict gender roles. These customs often limit the opportunities available to Maasai girls, whose futures are largely dictated by cultural expectations. From a young age, a girl is expected to take on domestic responsibilities, preparing for a life centered around marriage and family, while dreams of education or personal aspirations are often set aside.
In Maasai culture, a girl's value is strongly tied to her ability to uphold these traditions. Conditioned early on for a life of domestic servitude, her education is frequently seen as a secondary concern to the societal pressures of marriage and motherhood.
“There are those who say ‘Okay, she’s reached Grade 8, she’s had enough of an education.’”
— Jemima Naitanlei, Maasai community member and organizer
The day a girl becomes of age, her life shifts drastically. Her dreams often take a backseat to traditions.
Cultural Barriers vs. The Struggle of Change
While the Maasai are known for their rich cultural heritage, some old traditions, like early marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM), still place significant barriers on the lives of young girls today. (Brookings)
Although Kenya has made strides in enacting laws to protect girls from such practices, the implementation and enforcement of these laws remain a challenge in remote communities. Slow but meaningful progress is being made as more community leaders begin to recognize the benefits of education for girls and the harmful consequences of traditions like FGM and early marriage.
“It’s a difficult shift, but we are slowly realizing that when
we empower our daughters, we empower our
community.”
— Damaris Muthoka, deputy headteacher, Noontoto Primary and Junior Secondary School.
Menstruation and Its Stigma: A Hidden Challenge
For Maasai girls, menstruation marks a pivotal moment in their lives. It is a time fraught with shame, silence, and isolation. In traditional households, although the mother often earns the family income, it is the father who decides how it is spent. For a girl to ask her father for money to buy sanitary pads not only carries a sense of discomfort but can also lead to life-altering consequences.
“When you ask your father to buy you sanitary towels, your father may see you as a mature woman, ready for marriage.”
Without access to menstrual hygiene products, many girls are forced to stay home from school during their periods, falling behind in their studies. Issues surrounding menstruation, lack of sanitary pads, limited educational opportunities, and deep-seated cultural traditions are inextricably linked in Maasailand. In some areas of Narok County, only 1 in 15 girls enrolled in primary school completes secondary education. (UNICEF Kenya)
Neema’s Story
At Noontoto Primary and Junior Secondary School in Managa, Kajiado County, Huru International recently met Neema, a Grade 8 student whose education had been frequently interrupted by her inability to manage her periods with dignity. Neema, like many of her classmates, was forced to miss school during her menstruation due to lack of access to sanitary pads.
“We were taught to improvise, but using cloths is uncomfortable and unreliable. It’s impossible to concentrate at school when you’re worried about being embarrassed.”
Earlier this month, Huru conducted a comprehensive workshop at Neema’s school, providing sexual and reproductive health education and wellness lessons. The girls learned not only how to manage their periods but also about their bodily autonomy and legal rights.
As part of the workshop, Neema and her classmates received Huru Kits, which include reusable sanitary pads that will allow them to manage their periods for the next two years without missing school.
“For the first time, I didn’t have to worry about missing
school. I didn’t have to feel ashamed.”
— Neema shared with a renewed sense of hope
The intervention went beyond just providing supplies; it empowered Neema and her peers with the confidence and knowledge to stay in school and take control of their futures. These efforts are part of Huru's broader mission to ensure no girl is limited by her period and is able to reach their full potential.
“Our girls are being given the tools to succeed. We expect to see fewer girls drop out since Huru began its work here”
Looking Ahead: A Path to Empowerment
As we celebrate International Day of the Girl Child and reflect on Girls' Vision for the Future, Huru International is breaking generational cycles that have historically held girls back. Each Huru Kit, each workshop, and each girl who stays in school represents a step toward a brighter future for the entire community. Educated girls marry later, have healthier families, and contribute more fully to society.
How Readers Can Help
This International Day of the Girl Child, we invite you to stand with girls in marginalized communities. By supporting Huru International, you provide girls with the tools they need to stay in school, reject harmful traditions, and pursue better futures. Your support can break harmful cycles and create brighter futures, making their vision for the future a reality.
Sources:
FGM Prevalence and Early Marriage: (Brookings Institution).
Maasai School Dropout Rates: . (UNICEF Kenya).
