Members of Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) have today reaffirmed their commitment to improving reproductive health rights for women and girls across the country. 

In a round table meeting, Women Parliamentarians engaged key partners namely; United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), representatives from the Ministry of Health and International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH) Kenya to explore ways on strengthening Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management in Kenya.

Women MPs stressed on the need for a consistent budget allocations, cross sectional collaboration and firm accountability so as to ensure that no girl misses school or losses her dignity because of menstruation.

They applauded Senator Gloria Orwoba for sponsoring the Provision of Sanitary Towels Bill, 2024, exuding confidence in the Bill. 

"If passed, the Bill will institutionalize the free and quality provision of sanitary towels in public schools and facilities nationwide, a game changer for menstrual justice in Kenya," Nairobi County MP. Hon. Esther Passaris said.

The meeting also provided a platform to explore possible areas of collaboration and sensitize Women Parliamentarians to the "Flow with Pride Campaign" launched by UNFPA with funding from the Embassy of Denmark, which seeks to combat period stigma and ensure menstrual dignity for every girl.

UNFPA representative, Mr. Anders Thomsen emphasized the importance of local production of sanitary towels to make them more affordable to the users.

Research held in 2022 by the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) revealed that 65% of girls in rural areas and 52% in urban areas face difficulties in accessing sanitary products, a reality that still hinders some girls from attending school during their menstrual cycle. 

Dr. Jackline Kisia, from Ministry of Health called for the expansion of the sanitary towels distribution beyond Primary and Secondary schools.

"We need to include Tertiary Institutions as recommended by a Parliamentary Committee in 2023," she said

Dr. Kisia posed, "Why do girls deserve dignity during school sessions only? Do poverty go on holidays?"

In her closing remarks, KEWOPA vice chairperson and Dagoretti North MP. Hon. Beatrice Elachi acknowledged the support given by partners in ending period poverty in Kenya.

"We thank UNFPA, JHPIEGO, the Ministry of Health and other partners in walking with us this important journey in making menstruation manageable for every Kenyan girl," she said.