Kisii: Political leaders in Kisii have been urged to desist from using sanitary pads as incentives to win the favour of women during the electioneering period. Speaking during the Menstrual Hygiene Day celebrations at Kereri Girls High School on the outskirts of Kisii town, Egerton University’s Gender Specialist Dr. Magdalene Gesare claimed that some leaders were hoarding the vital commodity and using it as a bargaining chip to woo voters.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Gesare emphasized that politicians must stop exploiting menstruation for electoral gains by distributing hoarded sanitary towels, which are essential for less privileged women. She challenged stakeholders to ensure that sanitary towels are distributed free of charge and timely to school-going girls, to keep them engaged in school.
The Gender Specialist highlighted the importance of sensitisation forums to promote menstrual hygiene, eliminate period stigma, and combat period poverty. Dr. Gesare praised the Nairobi County government for implementing a landmark menstrual leave policy to support women suffering from severe menstrual cramps due to conditions like endometriosis, stating it would uphold employees’ dignity.
Kereri Girls High School’s Chief Principal, Dr. Tabitha Mogonchi, encouraged students to be transparent about the menstrual challenges they face to receive proper care and support in maintaining menstrual hygiene. She expressed hope that the sensitisation forum would boost students’ confidence to seek sanitary products during their menstrual period from teachers. Additionally, Dr. Mogonchi proposed creating a fund to support girls from poor backgrounds who cannot afford sanitary towels.
Kenneth Opiyo, CEO of Mwalimu National Sacco, called on parents to support their daughters during menstruation and to break the stigma associated with it. ‘We have to stop the stigma and offer more support as men to our daughters without feeling shame,’ Opiyo stated.
Also present was Young Solidarity Foundation Executive Director Tyson Obando, who committed to continuing menstrual hygiene support for young girls through the youth-led organization. The event highlighted the challenges young girls face during menstruation, including stigma and inadequate emotional and financial support for underprivileged girls.
Stakeholders including Mwalimu National Sacco, Ecobana Organization, Shairoz Shamji, Young Solidarity Foundation, and the office of the Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Aburi distributed menstrual health products to the girls during the event.
