By BERTILLA NYANCHAMA: Parents, teachers, youth leaders, and women’s advocates have urged communities to openly support girls during menstruation and help end the stigma surrounding periods.
The leaders spoke during the International Menstrual Hygiene Day celebrations held at Kisii University, where girls from various schools across Kisii County gathered for mentorship and education on menstrual hygiene.
Catherine Kemunto, the Guide Commissioner for Nyanza Region and Kisii County, said the celebrations aimed to help girls understand menstruation and hygiene without fear.
“We do not want girls to fear seeing blood. Through the Kenya Girl Guides, we teach girls values, leadership, and how to take care of themselves,” she said.
Collaboration
She thanked partners, ambassadors, the Ministry of Health, and Skitter Kwamboka for supporting the event.
Kereri Girls High School Chief Principal Tabitha Mugonchi noted that the celebrations helped girls feel loved and supported.
“We are happy to have this event because it teaches girls hygiene and helps them feel comfortable during their periods, even while in school,” she said.
John, a teacher and parent, encouraged men to openly support their daughters during menstruation.
“As fathers, we should not fear talking about periods because this is normal. We should ensure our daughters feel safe and comfortable,” he said.
Dr Magdalyne Gesare from Egerton University said menstruation should never be treated as something shameful.
“What girls are facing is normal because we also went through it as women. Stakeholders should make life easier for girls by providing sanitary towels,” she said.
CPA Cyprian Orunda from the Kisii County Assembly said menstruation should be discussed openly in society.
“When we support girls, we are supporting the future of our country. Girls and women play a very important role in society,” he said.
A youth representative from the Young Solidarity Foundation stated that young people are ready to support girls and create awareness about menstrual health.
“When a girl is safe and supported in society, then our tomorrow becomes better,” he said.
Hashandi Servier from Voice and Purpose Kenya highlighted that period poverty continues to affect many girls in the country.
Missing school because of periods
“Girls are missing school and some are being abused because they cannot access menstrual products. This issue should be treated seriously,” she said.
Shairoz Shamji urged parents, especially fathers, to take responsibility for supporting girls during menstruation.
“Girls miss many school days because of period poverty. Fathers and mothers must work together to ensure girls remain in school,” she said.
Aspiring Kisii County Woman Representative Skitter Kwamboka said stakeholders will continue pushing for free sanitary towels in schools.
“It is painful that girls are still missing school because of pads. We want the government to ensure pads are freely distributed in schools,” she said.
She added that the campaign will continue in rural areas where many families cannot afford sanitary towels.
The event brought together students, teachers, youth groups, community leaders, and women’s advocates in a collective effort to promote menstrual hygiene and protect the dignity of the girl child.
