According to a 2020 assessment survey by Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, adolescent girls and young women suffer the most when it comes to accessing information on menstrual health and dignity kits.
The report indicates that up to 90 per cent of adolescent girls and women lack access to mentrual hygiene products, including clean and safe water, where 70 per cent are in rural areas and 78 per cent in urban areas.
Menstrual hygiene management is a multi-dimensional issue that is a critical component of health and well-being.
According to the menstrual hygiene policy 2019-2030, research indicates that women and girls in Kenya and other low-middle-income countries face several challenges regarding access to menstruation information and affordable and appropriate sanitary products.
The Constitution acknowledges health and access to clean and safe water as a basic human right, and it assigns responsibility for water supply and sanitation services.
Article 43 (1) states that every person has the right to accessible and adequate housing; reasonable standards of sanitation and adequate clean and safe water. The Constitution also gives the right to health services including reproductive health.
The sustainable development goals talk about quality and affordable health services and availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Water and sanitation interventions reduce morbidity rates among women and girls that are caused by diarrheal illnesses associated with reduced risk of trachoma, ascariasis infections and acute respiratory infection.
A study conducted by FAWE in 2011 to ascertain the variety of sanitary products that are used by women showed 46 per cent used disposable products, six per cent reusable pads and seven per cent relied on old clothes.
To address this need, we call upon the government to make dignity kits available in every public toilet, make sure there is running water in every school and instal incinerators for safe disposal.
Executive director, Epic Youth Organization
