MENSTRUAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY
2025 Theme: “Together for a Period-Friendly World”
Article by: Ruth Omwenga
Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed annually on May 28th, was initiated in 2014 by the German-based NGO WASH United to break taboos and raise awareness about the importance of menstrual health and hygiene. In Kenya, the observance gained momentum as growing advocacy efforts highlighted how period stigma and lack of access to menstrual products were affecting girls’ education and dignity.
This year, Menstrual Hygiene Management Day was marked with the theme “Together for a Period-Friendly World.” The event led by County Government of Nairobi and hosted by Lang’ata West Primary School was opened with vibrant performances by students from Kongoni Primary School, Langata West Primary School, and Uhuru Gardens Primary School. The children captivated the audience with poems on hygiene, while Langata West Primary presented a traditional Kikuyu folk song.
Following the presentations, the headteacher of Langata West Primary School expressed his gratitude to the partners and the Nairobi County Government for selecting their school as the host of this important occasion. He went on to introduce the school’s teaching staff and support team, recognizing their role in making the event successful.
Lang’ata Sub-County Director of Education, Madam Daisy, extended heartfelt appreciation to the attending partners and guests. She acknowledged the vital contributions, especially the sanitary pads and dignity kits provided for the students. She emphasized that the availability of menstrual products has significantly improved class attendance for girls, relieving them of the anxiety and stigma often associated with menstruation. She also commended the efforts to normalize conversations around menstruation, noting that boys now understand this natural process and are better equipped to offer support instead of ridicule.
The event brought together a range of dedicated partners, including:
Shofco, Girl Child Network (GCN), Umande Trust, Huru International, Fresh Life, Child Fund, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health
A hygiene promotion session was conducted by Teresa and Beth, who engaged the students in an interactive discussion. They posed questions such as: Do you know what periods are? When do they start? What challenges do girls face during menstruation? The students responded confidently, noting that menstruation can begin as early as eight or nine years old, and that girls often experience cramps, back pain, abdominal discomfort, and mood swings.
The trainers also demonstrated how to use and care for reusable sanitary pads. The demonstration included the following steps:
- Soak the pad in water for 15 minutes.
- Wash it thoroughly.
- Soak it in warm water to disinfect.
- Wash hands after handling.
Students were also shown how to properly use and dispose of disposable sanitary pads, reinforcing essential menstrual hygiene practices.
Sub-county officer Mr. Minyonga welcomed Dr. Ethel, the Langata Sub-County Medical Officer of Health, who thanked the stakeholders for their collaboration in making the event possible. She introduced her sub-county team and acknowledged the Nairobi County Government for providing dignity kits to the girls. Dr. Ethel led the students in affirmations, encouraging the girls to say, “My period is natural, and it will never limit me to fly,” and urging the boys to recite, “I will support my sister, my classmate, my daughter, and mother for a period-friendly world.”
Mr. Erick, representing the County team, gave a passionate address, expressing concern that many girls still miss school because of menstruation. He commended the event for raising awareness and called on all stakeholders to prioritize the construction of adequate sanitation facilities in schools. He also advocated for the elimination of taxes on sanitary products, stressing, “Let us listen to the girls—they are telling us what they need. Let’s make this year innovative and ensure no girl misses school because of her period.”
Mary, the water administrator, gave thanks and contributed donations to support menstrual hygiene efforts. The event concluded with the sub-county team thanking all partners for their collaboration. A closing prayer was held, and hygiene items were distributed to both boys and girls. Boys received soap to promote handwashing and personal hygiene, benefitting not just themselves but also the wider community.
Sanitary pads and dignity kits were distributed to all participating schools—Langata West, Kongoni, and Uhuru Gardens Primary School—marking a successful conclusion to a meaningful and empowering day.
