The tragic death of Jackeline Chepng’eno, a 14-year-old schoolgirl from Bomet County who took her life in 2019 after being humiliated for experiencing her first period, has spurred a nationwide movement to fight period stigma and ensure dignity for girls and women across Kenya. Her story, a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by many girls, has inspired the Flow With Pride campaign, launched on Friday by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Embassy of Denmark in Kenya.
Breaking the Chains of Stigma
Menstruation, though a natural and healthy part of life, remains a taboo subject in Kenya, often surrounded by stigma and misinformation. This stigma creates barriers for more than 12 million Kenyan girls and women who menstruate monthly, denying them equal opportunities and deepening gender inequality. The Flow With Pride campaign aims to challenge these harmful stereotypes and foster societal acceptance of menstruation.
“Period stigma and shame create barriers that prevent women and girls from realizing their academic, social, and economic aspirations,” said Anders Thomsen, UNFPA Kenya Representative. “This campaign is a call to action for all of us to ensure no girl is lost or left behind, by building a society where menstruation is embraced as a normal and healthy part of life.”
Remembering Jackeline Through Film and Dialogue
A central feature of the campaign is the screening of Impure, a coming-of-age film inspired by Jackeline’s story. The screenings, to be held in counties like Nairobi, Bomet, West Pokot, Turkana, Garissa, and Kwale, will be complemented by community dialogues. These engagements aim to provide safe spaces for open conversations about menstrual health and dismantle harmful societal norms.
The campaign underscores that period stigma isn’t just about shame it’s a barrier to education, work, and economic opportunities. Studies reveal that some girls lose up to 20% of the academic year due to menstruation-related challenges, such as inadequate access to menstrual products and lack of proper facilities.
Addressing Period Poverty
A Ministry of Health situational analysis highlights that over half of Kenyan girls struggle to access menstrual hygiene products, with only 46% of women reporting having the materials needed to manage their periods. This gap often results in missed school days, poor academic performance, and limited prospects for girls and women.
The campaign calls for stronger action from the government, policymakers, and partners to implement menstrual health policies and boost funding for related initiatives. Danish ambassador Stephan Schønemann emphasized Denmark’s commitment to empowering girls and women, stating, “Access to safe, decent menstrual health and hygiene improves mental well-being, boosts school attendance and work participation. This leads to better grades for students and fewer lost wages for women.”
A Collaborative Effort
Running until December 2025, the Flow With Pride campaign is a collaborative effort involving civil society, grassroots organizations, development agencies, government bodies, and private-sector partners. Together, these stakeholders aim to improve menstrual health and dignity across Kenya.
A Path Forward
Jackeline’s death was a heart-wrenching wake-up call, shedding light on the urgent need for societal change. Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, the Flow With Pride campaign aspires to turn her tragedy into a legacy of hope and empowerment for girls and women in Kenya. By breaking down barriers and addressing period poverty, this initiative seeks to create a future where menstruation is no longer a source of shame but a celebrated part of life.
