Northern Kenya

Isiolo MP calls for joint efforts in promotion of menstrual hygiene

Isiolo Woman representative Mumina Bonaya and Uhuru Junior Secondary students demonstrate how to use a sanitary towel during World Menstrual Hygiene Day at Isiolo town police grounds on May 28, 2024. (Photo: Waweru Wairimu)

By Waweru Wairimu | Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Inadequate access to the provisions makes many girls get lured into having sex with men in exchange for the items, and drop out of school due to period stigma while others resort to conventional ways including using blankets or clothes.

Isiolo Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya has called for concerted efforts from all to end cultural taboos, stigma and misconceptions associated with menstruation in pastoralist communities to ensure girls and women have a dignified life.

Poverty, inadequate knowledge about menstrual health management and retrogressive beliefs are among the barriers girls face in coping with the biological process which affects their mental and social well-being, making them unable to realise their full potential.

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While asking men to support their daughters during the menstrual cycle, Mumina said there was a need for increased menstrual awareness for the girls and sustained provision of dignity kits to ensure they are comfortable both at home and while in school.

"Menstrual hygiene management for the girls is not a women's affair. Men should not shy off or be ashamed for buying sanitary towels for their daughters and educating them on menstruation," she said, adding that there was no shame in women experiencing periods because it is just a natural process.

"We should all normalise conversations around menstruation to end the shame associated with it and support the girls in observing high levels of hygiene during the menstruation cycle."

Inadequate access to the provisions makes many girls get lured into having sex with men in exchange for the items, and drop out of school due to period stigma while others resort to conventional ways including using blankets or clothes.

Wabera primary school pupils present a song during World Menstrual Hygiene Day at Isiolo town police grounds on May 28, 2024. (Photo: Waweru Wairimu)

They are also at high risk of suffering reproductive health issues such as infections arising from unhygienic practices due to lack of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools.

The MP spoke during World Menstrual Day celebrations at Isiolo town police grounds where she flagged off the distribution of 64, 544 sanitary towels for 8,068 girls across the county.

The annual celebrations happen on May 28 and focus on raising awareness of the importance of good menstrual hygiene and the promotion of menstrual health.

County Education Executive Aileen Kajuju said advocacy on menstrual hygiene would help in demystifying the myths and misconceptions associated with menstruation.

If operationalised, she said, a county child protection policy will enable the devolved government to allocate funds towards the provision of the dignity kits.

"Ensuring girls have a regular supply of the kits contributes to improved performance, retention and transition in schools," she said.

Data shows that girls miss classes for an average of 18 weeks out of the 108 weeks yearly due to menstruation.

County Parents Association Chairperson Ismael Galma called for the provision of sanitary towels in public schools to ensure girls from poor families access the menstrual products regularly.

"The government should ensure there are enough stocks in schools so that they (girls) access them at any time," he said.

In attendance were Interfaith Network Chairperson Ahmed Sett and Secretary Stephen Kalunyu, County Public Health Officer Guracha Kikuyu Sarite and County Director of Education Caroline Mugo.

An estimated 500 million girls and women lack access to sanitary towels, according to the World Bank.