A new campaign by the Young African Women Initiatives (YAWI) has been launched to combat period stigma, end period poverty, and promote menstrual health and dignity among schoolgirls in Kenya, with a strong focus on community involvement and gender equality.
The initiative, which kicked off at Naka Comprehensive School in Nakuru, seeks to break cultural taboos and stereotypes surrounding menstruation, barriers that often lead to exclusion, shame, and school absenteeism among adolescent girls. YAWI Executive Director Fidelis Karanja emphasized the need to normalize menstruation and equip both girls and boys with accurate information and support.
“Menstruation is a healthy and natural part of life, but stigma and lack of access to menstrual products continue to hold back thousands of girls, especially in rural communities,” said Karanja. “Our campaign aims to ensure that menstruation does not stand in the way of girls’ rights to education, dignity, and equal opportunities.”
The campaign includes educational sessions for pupils, donations of sanitary pads, and community sensitization activities. During the launch, over 1,000 sanitary pads were distributed, and girls were taught proper usage, hygiene, and safe disposal methods. Boys also participated in sessions designed to dismantle myths and promote supportive roles in menstrual health.
Karanja underscored the importance of male involvement: “Stigma is often perpetuated by male ignorance. We are involving boys to help shift attitudes and support dignified menstruation experiences. Menstruation is not a ‘women’s secret’, it is a biological reality that affects us all.”
Citing a tragic case in 2019 where a schoolgirl took her own life after being shamed for menstruating, Karanja urged government and policy makers to scale up menstrual health programs and increase funding for hygiene infrastructure and supplies in public schools.
Naka Comprehensive School head teacher, Joseph Salano, echoed these sentiments, calling for more government investment in menstrual hygiene. “We need consistent provision of sanitary pads and proper facilities in all schools. Collaboration between state, non-state actors, and communities is essential,” he said.
Government data indicates that only 46% of rural and 65% of urban women and girls use disposable pads. Many resort to makeshift alternatives like rags or natural materials, leading to infections, low self-esteem, and even school dropouts.
Grade 7 pupil, Jane Wangeci, expressed concern over high absenteeism caused by menstruation. “Some girls miss up to four days of school every month. That adds up to nearly two weeks per term. We need reliable pad supply in low-income schools,” she said.
Fellow pupil, Keith Waithera, highlighted the impact of menstrual health on education and mental well-being. “Access to safe and affordable menstrual hygiene improves confidence, boosts attendance, and ultimately enhances academic performance,” she noted.
The campaign marks a vital step toward breaking menstrual taboos and ensuring every girl can manage her period with dignity, confidence, and support from the entire community.
Written By Rodney Mbua
