By Matilda Atieno
Kisumu county in partnership with the Kenya girl guides association under the patronage of the First Lady Mrs. Dorothy Nyong’o marked the world menstrual hygiene day in an event held at Onyinge Nazarene primary school in central Nyakach ward.
The 2021 celebrations brought together school-going girls with the mission to raise awareness and to change negative social norms surrounding menstrual hygiene management across the county.
May 28 is observed as the menstrual hygiene day across the globe with this year’s theme dubbed “Action and investment in menstrual hygiene and health.
The was officiated by the county director for women youth and PWD, Mr. Junior Omondi who represented the First Lady who was the chief guest, recognized the need to advocate for good menstrual hygiene with the aim of changing the social stigma associated with menstruation
The director also emphasized the county government’s commitment to investing in menstrual hygiene through empowerment and distribution of sanitary towels to vulnerable women and girls.
The First Lady who also doubles up as the patron for the Kenya girl guides association in Kisumu acknowledged menstrual health as a human right issue noting the need for a public-private partnership to step up actions towards realizing menstrual hygiene. She also encouraged young girls to speak up against stigma exclusion even as menstrual hygiene continues to be met with silence and neglect all around the world.
The day was also marked by a tree planting exercise in the school to encourage students to plant trees and to become green ambassadors.
The Kenya Girl Guides Association has organized programs to support young girls to become environmental champions, entrepreneurs, leaders as well as lifesavers through blood donations.
The association was represented by the Programs coordinator Sheila Mbaru, county girl guides commissioner Madam Jecinta Opiyo and Madam Pacifica Ogada.
