When Risper Shirin first experienced menarche in 2015, she felt a mix of excitement and pride. It was a significant milestone—her transition from childhood to adolescence—and she embraced it with joy. However, her initial happiness soon gave way to a harsh reality: period poverty.
Risper recalls that day with a blend of nostalgia and regret. “It was a day of celebration, as we were also receiving our KCPE results. I noticed some dampness in my underwear and rushed to the bathroom. To my shock, I discovered that I had started menstruating. Despite the excitement of this new phase, I was unprepared and overwhelmed,” she says.
Menstruation, a natural biological process, is a healthy part of life for most women and girls. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), around 800 million girls globally menstruate daily. It involves the shedding of blood and tissue from the uterus through the vagina, a process that typically lasts between one to five days. Yet, for many, including Risper, this natural process is marred by the harsh realities of period poverty.
Risper’s home situation meant that she had to cope with menstruation in a way that was far from ideal. “The joy of becoming a woman was overshadowed by the struggles of period poverty,” she confesses. “I didn’t have access to sanitary pads, and I had to manage with rags.” Her experience was not unique; a significant number of girls face similar challenges.
According to UNICEF, approximately 1.8 billion women menstruate worldwide each month, and many lack access to menstrual products. In Kenya, the situation is particularly dire, with 65 percent of women lacking access to menstrual products. A staggering one million girls miss school each month because they cannot afford sanitary pads, with some even resorting to sharing used ones.
Risper’s struggle was compounded when she joined high school. “In high school, I realized that most girls used sanitary towels. The difference was stark and painful. Being in a boarding school, I faced discrimination and isolation due to my use of rags. It was a tough period, and I often wished I could attend a day school where I could avoid these issues,” she recounts.
Moreover, Risper faced additional difficulties with a shortage of underwear. “I only had three panties in Form Two, and one was stolen. I had to manage with just two panties for an entire term. This scarcity, combined with limited water, made my menstruation experience even more challenging,” she explains.
Dr. Saudah Farooqui, an obstetrician-gynaecologist at Nairobi West Hospital, highlights the risks associated with using rags. “Using rags can lead to infections, especially if they are not cleaned properly. It is crucial to clean and replace them frequently,” she advises.
Risper’s reliance on rags also meant frequent trips to the toilet, disrupting her classes and increasing the risk of leakage and stigmatization from peers. Inadequate water supply at her school only worsened the situation.
The World Bank estimates that 500 million women worldwide lack adequate facilities for Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), underscoring the scale of the problem.
Addressing period poverty requires concerted efforts. Risper advocates for grassroots awareness and practical solutions. “Creating awareness about period poverty and its consequences is essential. We need to provide alternatives and support to girls facing these challenges,” she suggests. She also encourages girls to support their peers grappling with period poverty and to avoid stigmatizing them.
Dr. Farooqui stresses the role of government and organizations in tackling period poverty. “Outreach programs are crucial for informing people about period poverty. The government should remove taxes from menstrual products and allocate funds to ensure distribution in impoverished areas,” she explains.
Period poverty is a significant barrier to the well-being and dignity of many girls and women. By addressing this issue through education, support, and policy changes, we can help ensure that menstruation is a natural process that every woman can manage with the dignity and comfort she deserves.
