Efforts to promote menstrual health and safeguard the dignity of schoolgirls gained momentum in Kiambu County following a sanitary towels flag-off ceremony held at Kiambu Primary School.
The initiative, led by Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha, underscores the growing recognition of menstrual health as a critical pillar in advancing access to education and reducing absenteeism among girls.
The ceremony, officiated by Wamuratha and attended by school administrators, teachers, parents’ representatives, and learners, marked the official distribution of sanitary towels to schoolgirls. The exercise was complemented by menstrual hygiene education and confidence-building sessions aimed at addressing stigma and empowering learners.
Speaking during the event, Wamuratha emphasized that supporting girls’ well-being directly contributes to stronger educational outcomes and community development. “When we protect the dignity of our girls, we protect their dreams and their potential,” she said, urging learners to remain focused on their studies and to approach adolescence with confidence.
Lack of access to sanitary products remains a key contributor to school absenteeism, commonly referred to as period poverty. By ensuring consistent provision of sanitary towels, the program seeks to eliminate barriers that hinder uninterrupted learning, enhance academic performance, and promote gender equity in education.
The school administration welcomed the intervention, observing that regular access to menstrual hygiene products stabilizes attendance and enables girls to participate fully in class activities. Teachers also encouraged open dialogue on menstrual health to break long-standing taboos and cultivate a supportive school environment.
For many learners, the distribution offered relief and reassurance, reinforcing a sense of inclusion and dignity. The initiative aligns with broader county efforts to strengthen child welfare and improve education outcomes by addressing practical challenges that directly affect classroom participation.
As Kiambu continues to champion girls’ welfare, stakeholders maintain that menstrual health support is not merely a welfare gesture, but a strategic investment in equal opportunity, improved retention rates, and the empowerment of the next generation of young women.
By Clifford Chomba
