Kenya joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Menstrual Hygiene Day, with stakeholders calling on the government to increase investment in menstrual and reproductive health.
The call was made during a vibrant community campaign organized by Polycom Girls in Kibera under the global theme: “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.”Held at the AIC Church Grounds, the event brought together community leaders, adolescent girls, male champions, health experts, and educators to break the silence around menstruation and demand dignity, equity, and access for all menstruating individuals.
Wendy Aura, Programs Manager at Polycom Girls, emphasized the broader implications of menstrual health. “This is not just about hygiene. It’s about dignity, education, and breaking taboos,” she said, urging the government to honor its commitments made at the 2021 Generation Equality Forum in Paris, especially those related to gender-based violence and menstrual equity.Speakers warned that insufficient menstrual health knowledge among adolescents is contributing to increased school dropouts.
According to WHO and UNICEF, only 2 in 5 schools globally provide menstrual health education, and just 1 in 3 have proper disposal bins. In Sub-Saharan Africa, up to 31 percent of menstruating girls miss school due to stigma and lack of menstrual products.
Adolescent leaders and mentors shared personal testimonies, calling for normalized conversations. Brenda Kalekye, Polycom Board Member, urged girls to take pride in their periods: “Gone are the days we purchase pads in shame. Let’s normalize ‘My Period, My Pride.”
Male champions like Kefa Dickson advocated for involving boys in menstrual conversations: “We must raise boys who are allies, not bystanders.”Innovative solutions like the “Siri Ya Mwezi” comic book and Polycom’s Talking Boxes were highlighted as effective tools for fostering dialogue and addressing concerns anonymously.
Polycom Girls call for a strong call to action—urging government, communities, media, and donors to unite in creating a truly #PeriodFriendlyWorld. “This is not just a girl’s issue—it’s a human rights issue,” Aura said.
