By Arnold Ageta
World Health Day was celebrated on Monday, days after a survey on menstrual products revealed that Kenyan women face a severe lack of accessibility to sanitary pads and a grave risk of exploitation.
The survey, Echoing Voices from the Grassroots on Dignified Period for All, on menstrual hygiene products by global women’s rights organization Nguvu Collective shows critical accessibility gaps that expose women and girls to risks of exploitation and sexual abuse.
Nearly half of the surveyed respondents reported that there was a lack of adequate shops in their area selling menstrual products.
Disturbingly, one in three respondents reported having personally faced or been at risk of sexual harassment, exploitation, or abuse due to a lack of access to menstrual products.
The nationwide survey studied the accessibility, affordability and sufficiency of menstrual products in 45 counties of Kenya.
Led by five Nguvu Change Leaders, this survey brings the authentic voices of nearly 9500 women and girls from the grassroots, with 50 per cent of the respondents being from rural parts of Kenya.
“A country cannot claim to be making progress in menstrual health and equity if its policies are more ideal than real, more thought about than research-based,” said Amina Guyo, one of the Nguvu Change Leaders.
She said that the menstrual survey report sheds light on the harsh realities of period poverty, breaking the silence around access, affordability, and stigma.
“Every voice in this report is a call to action, demanding that menstrual equity, justice, and dignity be prioritised by our duty bearers,” she added.
The partners
The 5-month-long survey was conducted from October 2024 to February 2025 and was supported by the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) and more than 10 other local partners.
“Through this pathbreaking survey, Nguvu Change Leaders have amplified the voices of menstruating women and girls in Kenya, reiterating that access to quality and sufficient menstrual products must be prioritized in legislation,” said Preethi Herman, CEO of Nguvu Collective
With KEWOPA’s support, she asked the National Assembly to act on these findings by passing the Provision of Sanitary Towels Bill as one strong step towards closing the period poverty gap and safeguarding the reproductive and mental health of women and girls across Kenya.
The survey interviewed recipients of sanitary pads from the government’s Sanitary Towels Program over the sufficiency.
41 per cent of the respondents said the supply was insufficient and 35 per cent indicated that they had not received pads through the program.
Only 23 per cent felt the supply was adequate.
The reactions
KEWOPA Chairperson and Kajiado MP, Leah Sankaire said that in 2022, the Auditor General’s report on the Provision of Sanitary Towels to Girls in Public Primary Schools highlighted inefficiencies in distribution.
“This research, conducted with the support of KEWOPA and grassroots partners, confirms that quality, affordability, and sufficiency are major concerns,” said Sankare.
She further said that the findings highlight the harsh reality that when menstrual products are out of reach, the dignity and safety of women and girls are compromised.
“We cannot continue failing our girls; that is why KEWOPA proudly stands with Change Leaders and the Nguvu Collective in pushing for policies that will prioritise dignity, access, and equity in menstrual health,” she said.
Nguvu Collective plans to present these findings and recommendations to key stakeholders, including nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba, sponsor of the Provision of Sanitary Towels Bill, 2024, in Parliament.
Nguvu Collective is a global, women-led organisation that empowers emerging leaders from the most marginalised communities to drive systemic change.
World Health Day, held on every 7th of, provides an opportunity to focus world attention on a health problem or issue that deserves special attention.