Uncategorized
POLL: Condoms Vs Sanitary Pads-Which Should Be Free?
Over the weekend, there was a discussion on social media that the government doesn’t have its priorities right.
Out of nowhere, people started liking and sharing this post,
“Condoms should be for SALE, sanitary pads should be for FREE. Sex is a choice, menstruation is not. Some girls are struggling out there.”
Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko joined in and promised to introduce a bill in Parliament to that effect.
While the discussion is noble, it exposes Kenyan’s renowned memory of a goldfish.
The reason why condoms are offered in many places free of charge is that of the AIDS epidemic. More than a decade ago, the disease was threatening to bring the nation to its knees, and many gains have been made over the years because of the free distribution of condoms.
The reasoning behind the initiative was very sound and still is. It is easy to take things for granted now, but if the government and other NGOs did nothing in the early 2000s, we would be living in a very different country.
Not to say that sanitary pads are not essential, but when we look at the bigger picture, condoms are in many ways more important. In some cases, it’s a matter of life and death.
Those arguing for this are saying, ”Sex is a choice, menstruation is not..”
Fair point, but you know what else is not a choice; food, shelter, clean water, medicine etc.
As a nation when you are short of resources, balancing between priorities is a delicate act.
What do you think?
Source: Nairobi Wire
