The Issue of Blood: Urban Ministry in a Rural Setting

Research Focus: The objective of this hypothesis question is to determine how and why the menstrual cycle (the time of the month) impacts absenteeism, lowers educational exposure, creates sexual and gender-based violence and social inequalities for girls in Kibwezi, Kenya, while examining the impact of those issues from a sociological, psychological, and spiritual as well as political perspective. This research conveys rural Kibwezi, Kenya schoolgirls' perceptions and practices related to menstruation. Poor menstrual hygiene management has resulted in shame, anxiety, and embarrassment that contributes to absenteeism and poor performance at school. Methods: The ethnographic method and qualitative research utilized in this case study examined the beliefs, taboos, myths, and culture of the girls, women, and the community. The sample size of the data collected was from ten schoolgirls, four adult women, and two women who are suffering from domestic violence in the Isunguluni community of Kibwezi, Kenya. The procedural approach was based on open dialogues resulting from a questionnaire, individual forty-five minute to an hour in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions over four days. Results: The analytical findings and outcomes from the qualitative research confirmed that 65% of the girls lose days from school as a result of their menstruation. Their attendance at school and level of education is affected by their menstruation. The research expresses the struggles the girls experience from their issue of blood called the time of the month, the lack of privacy, the cultural and social restrictions imposed on girls during menstruation, the lack of education received on the menstrual cycle by the girls, women, and the community. There is a need for improvement of parental and community awareness of the menstrual cycle and hygiene, puberty, adolescence, taboos, myths, and the social injustices imposed on the girls in their daily life. Conclusion: In conclusion, further research is required on the present ideology of both the knowledge of puberty, menstruation and the use of disposable and reusable sanitary pads to enhance the existing educational program. Additional research also will help to develop and introduce menstrual management options that are practical, sustainable, and culturally acceptable. The research will serve to educate and build cross-cultural relationships between future missionaries who become activists, wanting to address the real need of the community they serve by not overlooking the social injustices and inequalities