By Tamia Nuna
On May 28th, 2023, the world came together to celebrate Menstrual Hygiene Day, the theme for Menstrual Hygiene Day 2023 was ‘Making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030 emphasizing the need to eradicate the stigma surrounding menstruation and address the issue of period poverty. However, this is a pipe dream for young girls, This biological process should never cause seclusion or shame for those experiencing it.
In Kenya, period poverty remains a pressing concern, with many low-income women and girls struggling to access essential menstruation products such as sanitary pads, tampons, underwear, and pain medication. The negative attitudes and misinformation about periods limit women and girls’ potential. Too often they misroute on school and employment due to a lack of hygiene facilities and products to easily go about their daily lives while on menstruation. This presents a lot of risks in their daily life, Young girls have been forced to go into the open to deal with their period needs exposing them to physical and psychological harm and resorting to engaging in transactional sex to afford these supplies, highlighting the urgent need for action. Research indicates that girls in Kenya lack crucial knowledge about menarche and Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), leading to harsh cultural practices and a limited understanding of the topic. Encouraging open discussions at home is vital, as only 50% of girls openly discuss menstruation, and a mere 12% feel comfortable talking about it with their mothers. Furthermore, misconceptions persist, with 1 in 4 girls not associating menstruation with pregnancy.
There is no specific goal or indicator for Menstrual Health Management (MHM), However, MHM is relevant to several sustainable development goals; goal 3 on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being, goal 4 on inclusive and equitable quality education, goal 5 on gender equality, goal 6 on ensuring availability and sustainability of water, goal 8 on economic growth, and 12 on sustainable consumption and production patterns. Efforts towards achieving the SDGs in Kenya can be strengthened by focusing on Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH). This is because of the strong linkages between the two. For example, 65% of women and girls cannot afford sanitary pads, leading to limited participation in economic opportunities, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. Also, quality education and well-being can be achieved because knowledge of Menstrual Hygiene Management and menarche helps one identify whether there is a need for medical attention and reduces stigma. With insufficient education about menstruation, the stigma will persist since the preexisting myths and misconceptions about it will continue to dominate our discourse.
The significance of Menstrual Health and Hygiene should never be underestimated, as it plays a crucial role in impacting various aspects of individuals’ lives. By ensuring access to affordable menstrual products, comprehensive education on MHM, and fostering an environment free from stigma, we can empower women and girls, paving the way for their overall well-being and success.
