Kakamega County First Lady Janet Barasa has called on teachers, parents and the broader society to take decisive action in addressing period poverty and stigma around menstruation, warning that the twin challenges continue to deny girls the right to quality education.
Barasa made the remarks on May 26, 2026, during a menstrual hygiene and mentorship program held at Bumini Senior and Junior School grounds in Mumias East Sub-County, where she joined teachers and learners to confront barriers that affect girls in school.
Addressing the gathering, Barasa stated that menstruation is normal and noble and should never be a source of shame, urging learners to promote empathy and support for girls during their menstrual periods.
She urged teachers and society at large to support learners by providing sanitary products, guidance, safe environments and access to menstrual hygiene facilities, saying such support was key to ensuring no girl missed school due to lack of basic products.
The first lady also addressed challenges affecting learners, including period poverty, stigma around menstruation and teen pregnancy, noting the need to tackle all three holistically to safeguard girls’ educational futures.
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Barasa called on boys to actively support their female counterparts through the “He for She” approach in addressing challenges affecting girls, including teenage pregnancy.
She further emphasised the importance of education, discipline, time management and good moral values in achieving academic excellence, encouraging learners to remain focused, avoid negative peer pressure and distractions, and embrace positive study habits.
Barasa commended the program’s partners for their continued commitment to empowering learners and promoting dignity, education and mentorship within the community, and called upon more partners to join the initiative.
The program saw girls from Grade 7 to Form 4 receive sanitary towels, while boys received boxers to help boost their self-esteem and confidence within the learning environment.
By Benedict Aoya
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