Kwale: Governor Fatuma Achani Wednesday distributed hundreds of cartons of sanitary towels to vulnerable girls and women to commemorate the 2025 Menstrual Hygiene Day. World Menstrual Hygiene Day is an annual global day of awareness and action aimed at promoting good menstrual health among women and adolescent girls.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Achani distributed the sanitary pads at Tiwi area of Matuga Sub County and announced that similar initiatives providing free sanitary pads would be launched in several administrative wards. She handed over the cartons of sanitary pads to 20 Wezesha Young Mothers group in Tiwi Ward and emphasized that menstrual hygiene is a public health issue impacting the health, well-being, and dignity of women and girls globally.
Governor Achani stated, "We are distributing free sanitary pads to vulnerable girls and women to show our commitment to improving menstrual health among women and young girls." She stressed the importance of good menstrual hygiene, advocating for menstruation to be perceived not as shameful or utterly private, but as a symbol of life, vitality, and strength.
The governor expressed her aspiration for Kwale to become a leader in menstrual hygiene, serving as a beacon of hope for others in the coastal region. She urged everyone to join the county government in advancing menstrual hygiene, ensuring that every woman and girl can manage her menstruation safely, hygienically, and with pride.
Governor Achani reiterated her commitment to supporting young mothers, aiming to restore their dignity, boost their self-esteem, and ensure their full participation in society. Zawadi Beba of the Wezesha Young Mothers group thanked the county for the initiative and highlighted concerns about the lack of access to menstrual hygiene for young women, especially in rural areas. She noted the severe consequences of this lack of access, including school absenteeism, increased dropout rates, and heightened risks of engaging in premature sex. Zawadi emphasized that menstruation is an integral part of womanhood and essential for procreation.