Femme StaffToday, the Stain Not Shame Campaign organizers held a legislative workshop in Nairobi where they hosted various leading organizations to chart on a way forward for the #StainNotShame campaign.
The consultative workshop discussed how period shaming will be defined in law. This is in addition to period protocol and a spirit of no consequences from the duty bearers who will be obliged or have the responsibility to respect, promote and realize human rights and to abstain from human rights violations. The team is currently developing a bill to stop period shaming in Kenyan law.
Among the panelist included media personality Janet Mbugua, Yasmin Mohammed – CEO of Superb CBO and a Grassroot menstrual equity activist, Neville Okwaro – Menstrual Equity Advisor to Ministry of Health, USAID, Megan Mukuria – Founder, Zana Africa, Alfred Muli – Menstrual Cup Champion, Madhvi Dalal – Founder, PadMad, Angela Waveru & Moh Muhoya – Founders, Heels 4 Pads and George Gitau, Lawyer and Legislative drafter and partner at GNG Law among others.
The campaign organizers are asking Kenyan citizens to join in a petition to lawmakers asking for their support to protect our girls & women by adding a clause that stops period shaming in Kenyan law.
Research by Menstrual Hygiene Day, a global advocacy platform for non-profit organizations and government agencies to promote menstrual health, reveals that 65% of females in Kenya are unable to afford sanitary pads and one million school-age girls miss an average of four school days per month because of their menstrual cycle and no access to feminine hygiene products. As a result of these, the consequences, at times have led to suicide cases.
The campaign is driven by a unique fashion collection showing a blot on dresses on the front and back as a fashion statement to normalize the sight of period stains.
To be part of the campaign, please use this link.
