Leaders, educators, youth organizations and health specialists have urged the government and other concerned parties to distribute free sanitary pads in schools as a measure to eliminate menstrual poverty among female students.
Addressing participants at the International Menstrual Hygiene Day observances held at Kereri Girls’ High School and Kisii University, the stakeholders noted that numerous girls continue to be absent from school due to their inability to purchase menstrual products.
Kisii’s prospective Woman Representative Skeeter Kwamboka stated that many girls in rural regions are avoiding classes due to insufficient access to sanitary towels.
“In Kisii County, we have children surviving on less than one dollar daily, and it’s disheartening that numerous girls are staying away from school because they lack menstrual pads. We are pushing for complimentary pads in all educational institutions,” she emphasized.
Kwamboka further mentioned that the initiative would extend beyond Kisii University to encompass schools nationwide.
Shairoz Shamji, involved in community programs focused on women and girls’ welfare, explained that girls forfeit crucial educational opportunities due to menstrual poverty.
“When girls are absent from school during their periods, it impedes gender equality efforts. We need to eliminate the silence and surrounding stigma since menstruation is a natural biological function,” she stated.
Hashandi Servier, founder of Voice and Purpose Kenya, revealed that data shows 65 percent of women in Kenya face period poverty.
“Children are facing abuse, and many girls are missing classes due to inadequate access to menstrual products. The time has come to make period products freely available to all women in this nation,” she asserted.
Dr. Gesare Magdalyne from Egerton University highlighted the importance of menstrual hygiene education in empowering girls.
“Menstruation should not carry any stigma. Teachers, parents, and community leaders should support girls and guarantee that sanitary towels reach those who need them,” she emphasized.
Kereri Girls’ Principal Tabitha Mogonchi commended the Young Solidarity Foundation for arranging the event.
“This gathering is significant as it assists girls in feeling valued, supported, and at ease while attending school during their menstrual cycles,” she noted.
John, who serves as both an educator and a parent, encouraged fellow parents to openly support girls during menstruation.
“As fathers and guardians, we must ensure that girls feel secure and at ease during their periods since this is a normal biological occurrence,” he stated.
CPA Cyprian Orunda from the Kisii County Assembly emphasized that empowering girls is essential for the nation’s future prosperity.
“If we fail to empower women and girls, we have no future. Men should stand in solidarity with vulnerable girls from impoverished households,” he declared.
Opande Tyson, representing youth interests from the Young Solidarity Foundation, stated that young people are prepared to back menstrual hygiene initiatives.
“The challenges you face are our challenges, and the solutions you seek are our solutions. When girls are secure within the community, our collective future will be brighter,” he expressed.
Kenya Girl Guides Commissioner for Nyanza Region and Kisii County Catherine Kemunto noted that menstrual poverty continues to be a substantial issue in villages throughout Kisii County.
“We encourage girls to become members of Kenya Girl Guides to learn about values, leadership skills, and self-care practices,” she mentioned.
She expressed gratitude to partners, including the Ministry of Health, ambassadors, and Skeeter Kwamboka, for their support of the event.
The advocates appealed to both national and county governments to collaborate in ensuring girls remain in school by making sanitary towels readily available and affordable.