By Dancan Kemanga
Menstruation is a natural biological process millions of girls and women experience worldwide.
However, in many schools, adolescent learners face stigma and embarrassment due to a lack of awareness and understanding from their teachers and trainers. When students request to use the restroom during their periods, they are often met with dismissive attitudes, questioning, or even punishment, leading to period shaming. This discourages students from speaking up about their needs, negatively impacting their self-esteem, school attendance, and overall academic performance. To address this issue, teachers must be well-educated on Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), particularly on menstrual health and puberty, to create a supportive school environment where students feel heard and respected.
Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is designed to provide students with accurate, age-appropriate knowledge on topics such as human development, relationships, sexual health, and personal well-being.
However, many education systems, including the Kenyan education system, overlook the importance of training teachers on these topics, leaving them unprepared to handle menstrual health concerns appropriately. A well-trained teacher understands that menstruation is a normal bodily function and that students require dignity, privacy, and support during this time. Without this knowledge, some teachers may unintentionally contribute to period stigma, reinforcing harmful cultural taboos that make menstruation a source of shame.
Period shaming in schools manifests in different ways. Some teachers refuse to allow students to use the restroom whenever they excuse themselves, assuming they are trying to avoid class. Others mock or dismiss students who request sanitary products, making them feel uncomfortable and embarrassed. BBC News once told a story of a young Kenyan girl in a public primary school who committed suicide after a teacher made fun of her when she experienced her first menstruation, and the boys in the class joined in the mockery (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-49661658)
The impact of this stigma is significant. Many girls choose to stay home rather than risk the embarrassment of bleeding through their clothes or being denied access to facilities. Studies have shown that school absenteeism due to menstruation is a major issue, with some girls missing several days of school each month. According to a UNESCO report, around one in ten girls in Sub-Saharan Africa miss school during their menstrual cycle, highlighting a significant impact on school attendance due to menstruation; some studies estimate this could result in missing up to 20% of a school year for affected girls. Additionally, experiencing period shame at a young age can damage a girl’s confidence, making her feel uncomfortable about a natural process that should be openly discussed and normalized.
To create a supportive environment, schools must ensure that teachers receive proper training on menstrual health. When educators understand the physical and emotional challenges that come with puberty and menstruation, they can foster a culture of respect and empathy. This means allowing students to excuse themselves without interrogation, ensuring that sanitary products are available in schools, and addressing menstrual health openly to reduce stigma.
Furthermore, teachers play a crucial role in dispelling myths and misconceptions about menstruation, helping both male and female students develop a more informed and respectful understanding of the topic. Policymakers and school administrators must take proactive steps to integrate menstrual health education into teacher training programs. Schools should implement clear policies that support menstruating students, including access to clean restrooms, sanitary products, and flexible class policies.
Conducting awareness campaigns and open discussions can also help normalize menstruation and create a more inclusive learning environment.
Dancan is a NAYA Kenya Youth Advocate.
