Kilifi County steps up campaign to end menstrual stigma

Kilifi, Tuesday, May 30, 2023

KNA by Jackson Msanzu/Emmanuel Mwendwa

The county government of Kilifi has developed a policy to help girls to comfortably go through menstrual circles and reduce the stigma they faced while undergoing the biological process.

During the World Menstrual Health celebration at Bamba on Sunday, Deputy Governor Flora Chibule revealed that Kilifi leaders have developed the Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) Policy which gives the county government an obligation to provide menstrual hygiene to girls.

Among the commitments that the county government will have in the proposed policy include ensuring that all girls and women have access to safe, affordable, and effective menstrual hygiene products.

“This policy is a critical step towards breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation and promoting gender equality in our county,” she said. 

Apart from developing policies, Chibule added that they are putting their efforts to eliminate period poverty through free pads distribution initiatives to ensure that every girl has access to the resources they need to manage their periods with dignity and comfort.

“I am pleased to report that the Kilifi County government together with our able partners has distributed over 60,000 sanitary towels to vulnerable girls in our county,” she said. 

"We recognize that access to menstrual hygiene products is a basic human right, and we are committed to ensuring that every girl and woman in our county has access to these products”, she added. 

The Deputy pledged commitment by the county government to promote menstrual hygiene management and breaking the silence surrounding menstruation.

She urged the public to work together and create a society where menstruation is accepted as a normal part of life to end stigma among girls to freely seek assistance during their periods.

Courtesy ; K. N. A