Turkana: Turkana County marked the global Menstrual Hygiene Day by distributing dignity kits to over 500 adolescent girls and conducting a Dignity Walk to raise awareness on menstrual health. The event, aimed at breaking menstrual taboos and promoting hygiene, saw active participation from various organizations and community members.
According to Kenya News Agency, this year's theme, 'Walk for Dignity: Every Girl. Every Month,' emphasized creating a period-friendly world where menstruation is normalized. KDE IGRATIUM International (KDII), in partnership with Swiss Contact, distributed 400 disposable pads and 100 reusable pads. Additionally, Concern Worldwide provided over 18,000 dignity kits for girls and 3,000 boxers for boys, while Welthunghilfe committed to offering Menstrual Health management training in 21 schools.
Several other partners, including the Red Cross Society, Maisha Youth, and Lotus Kenya Action for Development Organization (LOKADO), contributed sanitary towels and more dignity kits. Rael Akoru, the County School Health Coordinator and Menstrual Health and Hygiene Champion, highlighted the collaborative effort of stakeholders in reaching over 2,500 girls with dignity kits and sanitary towels, also noting the provision of boxers for boys to support their hygiene.
During the event, Akoru urged parents and caregivers to protect children from sexual predators, issuing a strong warning against those who exploit young girls, leading to early sex and marriage. Philomena Kiroken, National Director at Convoy of Hope Kenya, emphasized the importance of menstrual health as a matter of justice and dignity, advocating for a supportive environment for every girl.
Stephen Nyangweso, Turkana South Sub-County Director of Education, addressed the challenges faced by girls, particularly in Turkana South, due to poverty, stressing the need for support to ensure they do not miss school. Knique Okatch, Station Manager at KDE IGRATIUM International (KDII) in Lodwar, underscored the significance of sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions for educational and economic development.
Duncan Ekitela Ngimare, Lokichar Area Chief, reiterated the commitment to supporting girls' education and warned against those targeting young girls, ensuring accountability for any misconduct.