Review upwards the budget allocation for sanitary towels because menstruation matters
Review upwards the budget allocation for sanitary towels because menstruation matters
Why this petition matters
65% of women and girls can't access quality Menstrual products in Kenya. Menstruation if not well managed, it may affect the social, economic, political, health and education aspect of a girl and woman's life leading to violation of human rights like:- Right to education, Right to human dignity, right to an adequate standard of health and well-being, right to work, right to life, right to non discrimination and gender equality.
Menstruation matters and it should be prioritised as a matter of health as it contributes to the development of our country. Recently, Kenya was ranked 3rd country world wide with high rates of Teenage pregnancy and HIV/AIDS. If the government takes menstruation seriously and a matter of atmost urgency, then we will be able to curb some of these issues and challenges women and girls are experiencing.
The former members of national assembly reduced the budget allocation for sanitary towels from 470M to 260M making the current Menstrual health situation dire. Women and girls from marginalised and undeserved communities cannot afford to buy sanitary towels as it's price has also increased from 50Kes to 70kes. We are now forced to choose between sanitary towels and food.
We are calling for :-
- The current members of the national assembly to review upwards the budget allocation for sanitary towels in ensuring we keep our girls in school and curb some of the issues women and girls are experiencing.
- Establishment of digital pad dispensers in schools, hospitals and public spaces.
- Provision of free sanitary towels to all girls at puberty who are enrolled in both public and private schools.
- Comprehensive Menstrual health education in schools, healthcare facilities and home.
- Full implementation of the existing Menstrual health Management policy and strategy
By supporting and signing this petition, you are keeping a girl in school, free from coercion, free from sexual violence!, Girls will be girls and they will live to realize their highest potential.
Let's make menstruation a normal fact of life!