Channa Beth Butcher of E3 Kenya held a menstrual hygiene session at Mukuru Centre Primary School on May 28, 2026, promoting dignity and safe menstruation. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]
For many girls in informal settlements, menstruation remains a monthly struggle shaped by stigma, poor sanitation, lack of privacy and limited access to sanitary products.
The challenges continue to affect confidence, hygiene and school attendance, with some girls forced to miss classes during their periods for fear of embarrassment or because they cannot afford sanitary products.
Speaking during the World Menstrual Hygiene Day activities at Ruben Centre in Mukuru Kwa Ruben on Wednesday, Cherotich Joy from Fresh Life said stigma surrounding menstruation continues to affect many school-going girls.
“As we know, there is always stigma surrounding menstrual hygiene. Sometimes girls are laughed at in school after staining their dress or skirt and they end up shying away,” she said.
