By Monica Nashon
Leaders, teachers, youth groups and health experts have called on the government and other stakeholders to provide free sanitary pads in schools as part of efforts to end menstrual poverty among girls.
Speaking during the International Menstrual Hygiene Day celebrations at Kereri Girls’ High School and Kisii University, the stakeholders said many girls continue to miss school because they cannot afford menstrual products.
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Aspiring Kisii Woman Representative Skeeter Kwamboka said many girls in rural areas are skipping classes due to lack of access to sanitary towels.
“We have children living below one dollar a day in Kisii County, and it is unfortunate that many girls are missing school because they lack sanitary pads. We are advocating for free pads in every school,” she said.
Kwamboka added that the campaign would continue beyond Kisii University and extend to schools across the country.
Shairoz Shamji, who works with communities on women and girls’ issues, said girls lose valuable learning time because of period poverty.
“When girls miss school because of periods, it affects gender equality. We must break the silence and stigma because menstruation is natural,” she said.
Hashandi Servier, founder of Voice and Purpose Kenya, said statistics indicate that 65 percent of women in Kenya experience period poverty.
“Children are being abused, and many girls are missing school because they lack access to menstrual products. It is time period products were made free for women in this country,” she said.
Dr. Gesare Magdalyne from Egerton University said menstrual hygiene education plays a key role in empowering girls.
“There is no shame in menstruation. Teachers, parents and leaders should support girls and ensure sanitary towels reach the intended beneficiaries,” she said.
Kereri Girls Chief Principal Tabitha Mogonchi praised Young Solidarity Foundation for organizing the event.
“This event is important because it helps girls feel loved, supported and comfortable while in school during their periods,” she said.
John, a teacher and parent, urged parents to openly support girls during menstruation.
“As fathers and parents, we should ensure girls feel safe and comfortable during their periods because this is normal,” he said.
CPA Cyprian Orunda from the Kisii County Assembly said empowering girls is critical for the country’s future.
“If we do not empower women and girls, then we do not have a future. Men should support vulnerable girls from poor families,” he said.
Opande Tyson, a youth representative from Young Solidarity Foundation, said young people are ready to support menstrual hygiene programmes.
“Your problem is our problem, and your solution is our solution. When girls are safe in the community, then our future will be better,” he said.
Kenya Girl Guides Commissioner for Nyanza Region and Kisii County Catherine Kemunto said menstrual poverty remains a major challenge in villages across Kisii County.
“We want girls to join Kenya Girl Guides so they can learn values, leadership and how to take care of themselves,” she said.
She thanked partners, including the Ministry of Health, ambassadors and Skeeter Kwamboka, for supporting the event.
The stakeholders called on both the national and county governments to work together to ensure girls remain in school by making sanitary towels accessible and affordable.
