The Ministry of Health and Sanitation in Sierra Leone - Article Example

From 2008 to 2012, the literacy level for female aged between 15 -24 years stood at 52% while that of the male stood at 70.5% (UNICEF, 2014). In the period between 2008 and 2012, primary education gross enrollment ratio for male was 129% while that of the females stood at 120%. In secondary education, gender disparity was still evident. During the period, the net attendance ratio for the boy’s student was 39.9% while that of the girls stood at 33%. The statistics from the primary school indicates that there is a notable disparity in terms of girls and boys education in Sierra Leone.

Key challenges facing school going girls during their adolescent stage in Sierra Leone include From 2008 to 2012, the literacy level for female aged between 15 -24 years stood at 52% while that of the male stood at 70.5% (UNICEF, 2014). In the period between 2008 and 2012, primary education gross enrollment ratio for male was 129% while that of the females stood at 120%. In secondary education, gender disparity was still evident. During the period, the net attendance ratio for the boy’s student was 39.

9% while that of the girls stood at 33%. The statistics from the primary school indicates that there is a notable disparity in terms of girls and boys education in Sierra Leone. Key challenges facing school going girls during their adolescent stage in Sierra Leone include • Pain due to periods, • Fear of leakage, • Heavy blood flow • Lack of adequate facilities to cater for menstrual hygiene in the schoolsAnother notable aspect that makes the rate of school absenteeism to be high among the 9-14 years old is lack of latrines that are separated based on the gender.

According to UNICEF, Majority of schools also lack latrines as well as private areas where girls can wash themselves (Marni et al, 2012). Additionally, due to the lack of sanitary cloths available for use by the girls during emergencies, girls do not feel motivated to attend the schools. UNICEF has embarked on addressing problems faced by girls in ways such as: • Encouraging teachers and families to discuss with girls on the issues of menstrual despite it being a taboo to discuss the issue • Producing guidance booklets that cover menstrual issues• Addressing the menstrual challenges in schools by holding sessions on menstrual hygiene management at annual School Sanitation training for the instructors