In the bustling halls of Kenyan public schools, where the scent of curiosity lingers in the air and the promise of a brighter future hangs on every chalk-dusted blackboard, a hidden battle rages on. It’s not a battle against equations or historical dates—it’s a battle against something more primal, yet often unspoken: menstrual poverty.Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, education, and facilities, often due to economic constraints. It is a pervasive issue affecting millions of individuals worldwide, predominantly women and girls. The inability to manage menstruation with dignity can have severe physical, emotional, and social consequences.
As an organization focusing on empowering adolescent girls and young women, we’re about to peel back the curtain on this silent struggle, giving you a front-row seat to the challenges faced by most Kenyan schoolgirls, and the warriors who are fighting to turn the tide.
Picture this: Zainab(not her real name), a spirited teenager who knows the joy of chasing dreams in her school uniform. But every month, a harsh reality crashes into her aspirations. Menstrual hygiene products? They’re as elusive as a treasure map. And so, Zainab joins a legion of girls who, for lack of a better option, miss school to avoid embarrassment and discomfort. Education takes a back seat as period poverty takes the wheel.
Now, let’s pull back the curtain further. Imagine the giggles and hushed conversations among girls when the topic of periods arises. It’s a dance between curiosity and discomfort, a tango of secrets whispered between friends. Periods? That’s something they’d rather tiptoe around,especially when the conversation includes boys. even if it means sacrificing essential knowledge and support, then they are open to skipping it.
But guess what? Amidst these challenges, heroines emerge. At Eagle Wings Organization, we are determined to break the silence. Armed with information and empathy, we hold candid conversations about periods within schools and the community at large. Empowering girls, boys, women and women and shattering taboos through KUZA NIA project. As we fight menstrual poverty head-on and debunk myths and distribute sanitary pads, we come across questions and suggestions from our audience that leave us thinking. How deep rooted is period poverty and myths and misconceptions about period especially in communities within kenya.
Education has always been a magical key to unlock doors of opportunity. The Kenyan government’s move to provide free sanitary pads to schoolgirls is like sprinkling extra stardust on that key. It’s a declaration that periods should never be a roadblock to education. Now, here’s the twist, public schools have big numbers of students and sometimes, the government distributes sanitary towels which most of the time does not meet the number. Its so clear that families struggling with poverty may prioritize basic necessities over purchasing sanitary products, exacerbating the cycle of poverty. The stigma surrounding menstruation amplifies the challenges faced by those experiencing period poverty. This stigma can lead to shame, isolation, and a lack of open dialogue about reproductive health. This factors contribute to an increase in period poverty cases among most families.
As we advocate for comprehensive menstrual education, we are focusing on transforming the narrative,turning menstrual poverty into a tale of resilience, empowerment, and triumph. Our focus on awareness, solidarity, and the unwavering belief in a brighter future is setting the stage for a generation of trailblazing young women, unburdened by the weight of menstrual poverty, and ready to script their own stories of success. Period poverty is a pressing issue that undermines the well-being, education, and social inclusion of individuals experiencing it. Achieving menstrual equity requires a multi-faceted approach encompassing accessible products, comprehensive education, improved sanitation facilities, and community engagement. BE PART OF THIS CHANGE
