Teenage girls in Siaya County have been encouraged to utilize locally available materials to create sanitary pads while awaiting support from the government and other organizations.

Mrs. Miada Nyawade, the Director of Gender for Siaya County Government, suggests that instead of solely relying on external assistance, young girls can showcase innovation by making their own sanitary towels at home. This initiative aims to prevent them from becoming vulnerable to exploitation by individuals who offer sanitary pads in exchange for favors.

Mrs. Nyawade made these remarks during a menstrual hygiene day celebration at St. Aloyce Mbosie Secondary School in Ugunja sub-county. She assured attendees of the county government’s dedication to addressing gender equality and women empowerment issues.

As the chief guest, Mrs. Nyawade revealed ongoing efforts to review existing policies to protect women, children, and particularly young girls.

The celebration, organized by the girls’ rights organization Ugunja Development Initiative (UDI), was attended by Executive Director Isaiah Ochieng’. He emphasized the necessity of establishing proper legal frameworks to safeguard young girls, proposing the creation of a policy for allocating resources toward sanitary pads for girls in primary and secondary schools.

Ms. Ruth Atieno, the programs’ coordinator at UDI, stressed the importance of open conversations about menstruation to combat stigma and discrimination against adolescent girls during their menstrual cycles. She urged parents to educate both girls and boys, emphasizing that menstruation is a natural process and should not be used to shame or intimidate young girls.”