Monday, May 29, 2017

Girl Power Clubs Africa Celebrates 2017 Menstrual Hygiene Day



Approximately half of the global female population are in reproductive phase and have monthly menstruation. Research shows that in Kenya, only 12% of girls would be comfortable receiving information about menstruation from their mother. On 28th May 2017, Girl Power Clubs Africa joined organizations around the world in celebrating the annual global menstrual hygiene day. The event was celebrated in Nairobi at Nazarene Primary School with St. Catherine’s and Nazarene Girl Power Clubs. The day was celebrated under the theme ‘Education about menstruation changes everything’ and was facilitated by Sadili staff Joy Akim, Philipa Mtamira, Aurelia Mito and Trizah Mboya.

Discussions during this highly interactive and informative session revolved around: understanding what menstruation is, what menstrual hygiene entails, what a girl needs during her periods, myths and facts about menstruation as well as overcoming taboos surrounding periods. The girls were also given a chance to ask questions and to talk about their personal experiences with menstruation.

“The one lesson I am taking home with me is that menstruation is beautiful, and is not something to be ashamed of,” remarked Roslyn, a pupil at Nazarene Primary school. “I am yet to have my first period but I will be very well prepared for it when it comes.”

Girl Power Clubs Africa is a leadership program focused on providing girls with a chance to learn life skills and learn to make decisions that affect their lives and their communities positively. It strongly believes that that every woman and girl has a right to know the importance of hygiene management during menstruation. One of its focus areas is on providing factual guidance and positive information around menstruation, breaking taboos and traditional practices.

Every year on May 28, Menstrual Hygiene Day (MHD) is celebrated worldwide to raise awareness about the importance of menstrual hygiene management and break taboos for women and adolescent girls.
It was initiated by the German-based NGO WASH United in 2014.