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.
“Politicians have to stop using menstruation as an incentive during campaigns to get votes using hoarded sanitary towels that are needed by mostly less privileged women,” said Dr Gesare.
She challenged the stakeholders to ensure the sanitary towels are distributed to school-going girls free of charge and in a timely manner to keep the girls engaged in school.
The Gender Specialist added that sensitisation forums are key to promoting menstrual hygiene, eliminating period stigma and overcoming period poverty.
Dr Gesare lauded the Nairobi County government for approving a landmark menstrual leave policy to support women who experience excruciating menstrual cramps due to conditions such as endometriosis, saying it will uphold the employees’ dignity.
Kereri Girls High School’s Chief Principal, Dr Tabitha Mogonchi, encouraged the students to be more transparent about the menstrual challenges they face so as to get proper care and support in maintaining menstruation hygiene.
“I believe this sensitisation forum will boost the confidence of the students to openly seek sanitary products during their menstrual period from the teachers,” Dr. Mogonchi noted.
The Chief Principal proposed the establishment of a kitty to support girls from poor backgrounds who are unable to afford sanitary towels.
On his part, Mwalimu National Sacco CEO, Kenneth Opiyo challenged the parents to support their girls during menstruation and to avoid stigma associated with periods.
“We have to stop the stigma and offer more support as men to our daughters without feeling shame,” Opiyo said.
Also in attendance was the Young Solidarity Foundation Executive Director Tyson Obando who pledged to continue offering menstrual hygiene support to young girls as a youth-led organization.
The event emphasized on challenges young girls face during menstruation, including stigma and inadequate emotional and financial support to underprivileged girls.
The 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.
By Malachi Omwenga and Sandra Orina
