Health partners in Migori County have highlighted the importance of male engagement and positive involvement in menstrual hygiene management during the marking of international Menstrual Hygiene Day.
The event held at Uriri Technical and Vocational Center (TVC) brought together stakeholders from the Migori county department of Health in partnership with Mildday International Kenya and Martin Owiny Foundation.
Seth Midenyo Obura, Uriri Sub County Child and Adolescent Health coordinator, emphasized the need for meaningful male engagement on issues of menstrual hygiene, citing male attitude as one of the core reasons of menstrual stigma.
“The male counterpart, actively or passively contributes to menstrual stigma. We, therefore, need men to come around and support girls and women to end the stigma,” he said.
According to Martin Owiny, one of the event organizers and a member of Uriri community, there is need for inclusive menstrual education to foster a supportive environment for women and girls.
He alleged that many girls are afraid to talk about the menstrual challenges they undergo because of fear of judgment and said that the event aimed to inspire them to speak out.
“We are trying to encourage them to speak about these issues because it is a natural thing. Giving them a voice to speak about it helps overcome the stigma which is why we are educating both men and women in the society.”
His sentiments were echoed by Elizabeth Oluoch, the Executive Director for Mildmay International Kenya, who said that some communities view menstruation as a taboo that should not be talked about, thus demoralizing girls from talking about it even with their parents.
“There are many taboos associated with menstruation. Girls lack courage to discuss menses with their parents because it is seen as shameful and as much as we have been successful in sensitizing girls that it is a normal thing, a lot of men still hold onto these beliefs,” said the director.
Other crucial issues that were addressed during the World Menstrual Health day that is celebrated every 28th May were accessibility and management of menstrual products and disposal of menstrual waste.
“We have availed reusable pads in this institution for the students and community members. The pads can be used for up to 2 years which saves money for parents and girls,” Elizabeth said. “We will ensure that girls who visit this facility get access to pads through pad dispenser.”
Mercy Otieno, a student at Uriri TVC noted that because of period poverty, girls at the institution resort to transactional sex in exchange for menstrual products like sanitary towels.
She said having peer discussions and menstrual health awareness events that shades light on the severity of the situation, prompts both men and women in the institution to address such issues.
“We have seen a spike in early pregnancies. When poverty kicks in, young girls resorts to transactional sex in exchange for pads,” she recounts.
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