The United States (US) government has donated 85,000 packs of sanitary towels to the Ministry of Education (MoE) to enhance the programme aimed at retention of female learners in school.
Receiving the donation, Basic Education PS Belio Kipsang thanked the US government for the support and said it will enable girls to maintain menstrual hygiene, thereby learn without disruption.
The PS for State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action Anne Wang’ombe said the donation was symbolic as the world is marking Menstrual Hygiene Day (MHD), which is an annual awareness day observed on May 28 to highlight the importance of good menstrual hygiene management (MHM) at a global level. It was initiated by a German NGO, WASH United, in 2013, and first observed in 2014.
MHD is aimed at ending the stigma and taboos surrounding menstruation. The movement has grown significantly in the last decade.
Due to limited access to feminine hygiene products, one million school girls in Kenya miss an average of four school days per month during their menstrual cycle. Others are also distracted in school due to pain, discomfort or fear of leaks.
Many women and girls also endure teasing and shaming and face exclusion from everyday activities when on their periods.
According to a survey done by Procter & Gamble(P&G) and Heart Education, 42 per cent of Kenyan girls have never used sanitary pads and instead use alternatives such as rugs, posing great risks to their reproductive health.
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By Frank Mugwe
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