The United States (US) has donated 860,000 sanitary towels to Kenyan public primary schools through the Sanitary Towels Program.
On Tuesday, Basic Education Principal Secretary (PS) Belio Kipsang received the consignment at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) and thanked the US Embassy in Nairobi, USAID, and the US Department of Defense for partnering with Kenya on the noble initiative.
Kipsang stated that the donation will supplement the government’s efforts to protect and promote the interests of girls’ education.
He also stated that the government implemented the program to combat absenteeism and dropouts among schoolgirls, particularly those from rural and marginalized areas.
Gender & Affirmative Action PS Anne Wang’ombe stated that the donation confirms the goals and objectives of World Menstrual Hygiene Day, which was observed on May 28, 2024.
She stated that World Menstrual Hygiene Day aims to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene and eliminate the stigma associated with the menstrual cycle.
“Menstruation is surrounded by taboos in some communities, yet it is a normal biological process,” stated PS Wang’ombe.
Christine Veverka, USAID Kenya/East Africa Education Director, stated that menstruation is a barrier for many girls in Kenya, crippling their ambition to achieve their goals.
“Girls miss school, up to 20% each month, simply due to a lack of affordable sanitary products,” she noted, adding that some are forced to resort to harmful practices to manage their menstruation.
Veverka added that the United States is committed to changing this reality through broader efforts to promote menstrual awareness.
The received consignment was the second donated by the US through USAID and the US Department of Defense, following the first in March, which saw 171,000 packets delivered to the Sanitary Towels programme.
