Today, 19th October 2019 is National Period Day.
In an attempt to understand the attitude of Kenyans toward the sometimes taboo topic of menstruation, we sent two women (Angela Muiruri and Monica Muhoyah) undercover on the streets of Nairobi to put Kenyans to the test. Would they be their sister’s keeper and help a young woman in need? Or completely ignore the obvious, a blood-stained white outfit.
According to a report on Global Citizen, 800 million people menstruate daily. Women and young girls who menstruate are ostracized from basic activities, like eating certain foods, or socializing, all over the world. The cultural shame attached to menstruation and a shortage of resources stop women from going to school and working every day.”
In Kenya the rates of period poverty are high, with many missing out of key activities for up to a week every month using makeshift menstrual products from leaves, tissue and cloth, as they wait out the days to make a return into society. A local report indicated, “that girls face monthly challenges,with 65% of women and girls in Kenya unable to afford sanitary pads.”
A local initiative Heels4Pads aims to raise awareness about period shaming and period poverty while positively impact the conversation around menstruation. To learn more about their work and how you can help visit @SisterSpeaks254 on Instagram.
