Former Taita Taveta Women Representative Joyce Lay has urged young girls in Mombasa County to stay focused despite the challenges they face in life.

She says they (girls) shape their destiny.

Lay added that despite the challenges girls face, they have a primary role to change their own lives.

The former women representative was speaking at the sidelines of a youth forum that brought together over 200 teenage girls in Changamwe sub-county, Mombasa County.

“I’m here to encourage you to move on despite the myriad of challenges you undergo. You should remain in school all the time,” said Lay.

She asked young girls to refrain from indulging in premarital sex.

At the same time, Stretchers Youth Organisation programs coordinator James Atito says men shy away from talking about menstrual hygiene.

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Atito notes that menstrual hygiene plays a critical role in the development of young and teenage girls.

He called on parents to ensure that they undertake their parental obligations.

“In most cases, men do not want to talk about this subject, menstrual hygiene. It is one of the most important subjects that all teenagers and parents ought to talk about,” said Atito.

Meanwhile, Together for society chairperson Edwin Shamir says the organisation focuses on creating awareness for young girls not only in Mombasa County but the coast region at large.

He adds that the organisation targets young girls aged between 9 years and 18 years.

“We mentor young girls and provide them with some of the necessities such as sanitary towels and pads. Again we are targeting girls living in slum areas,” said Shamir.

At the same time, Margaret Njoora alias MC Sonia asked health workers to educate young girls on menstrual hygiene.

She says counselling is key in ensuring that they remain healthy.

“Very few girls understand menstrual hygiene. Health workers must ensure that young girls understand menstrual hygiene,” said MC Sonia.