Launch of Siri Ya Mwezi: A Comic Book on Menstrual Health Education 

Press Release: For immediate release

Nairobi, Kenya – 11th October 2024 – In celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, Polycom Girls together with Womankind Worldwide, is proud to announce the launch of Siri Ya Mwezi comic book under #MyPeriodt! Campaign. The comic book is designed to foster a supportive and inclusive dialogue around menstrual health and the need for integration of menstrual health education into school curriculum. It further  educates adolescents, communities, health providers, stakeholders, and policymakers about the significance of menstrual health through a creative and relatable format.

This initiative is driven by the urgent need for menstrual equity and the removal of barriers that prevent girls from fully participating in educational and social opportunities during their menstrual cycle.

Menstrual Hygiene Management in Kenya: A Pressing Challenge

In Kenya, menstrual hygiene remains a critical barrier to girls and young women’s well-being. Data (from MOH; KDHS) shows that 65 per cent of Kenyan girls struggle to access menstrual hygiene products, and up to 10 per cent miss school during their periods, leading to a loss of learning and opportunities. Period poverty and menstrual stigma further worsen these issues, affecting the physical and emotional well-being of girls, particularly those from marginalized communities. In many cases, cultural taboos and lack of proper education perpetuate the shame surrounding menstruation, leaving girls and young women feeling isolated.

A recent Menstrual Hygiene Day 2023 report revealed that over 50 per cent of Kenyan girls experience menstrual stigma, leading to their exclusion from everyday activities. Furthermore, only 22 per cent of households in low-income areas have access to safe and private sanitation facilities, making it challenging and unsafe for girls to manage their menstrual health.

This comic book responds to these challenges by highlighting the importance of menstrual health education and providing practical solutions through engaging storytelling. It serves as an educational tool for schools and the community, breaking the silence on menstruation and empowering girls to take charge of their health without fear or stigma.

 The Story Behind Siri Ya Mwezi

The comic book follows the story of Hakima, a young girl who starts school in a new community and experiences her first interaction with menstruation education. The narrative is set against the backdrop of a typical Kenyan school, where students and teachers address menstrual health issues with varying degrees of openness. Through Hakima’s questions and experiences, the story challenges long-standing taboos surrounding menstruation, emphasizing the diverse ways in which teachers, students and parents interact with periods differently. 

One key moment in the story sees Hakima question why boys are not involved in menstrual health education, sparking a conversation about inclusivity and shared understanding. This narrative choice reflects the real-world need for boys and men to be part of the conversation around menstrual health, thus helping to eliminate stigma and promote a supportive environment for girls.

A Call to Action for Stakeholders

The launch of Siri ya Mwezi comes at a crucial time when addressing period poverty and menstrual health is recognized as a key factor in achieving Gender Equality. Polycom Girls and Womankind Worldwide urge policymakers, educators, health providers and community leaders to prioritize menstrual hygiene management by improving access to affordable sanitary products, enhancing school sanitation facilities and integrating comprehensive menstrual education into school curriculums.

This initiative will not only improve school attendance for girls but also contribute to the overall well-being of women and girls across the country. The comic book is a step toward creating an environment where menstruation is viewed as a natural part of life, free from shame and discrimination.

‘’As Womankind Worldwide our feminist standpoint is explicitly political and non-negotiable and underpins our solidarity with all women and girls. We believe the conversations sparked by this comic book will catalyse a transformative shift in menstrual health and reproductive rights for young women and girls in Kenya,’’ said Diana Njuguna, Co-CEO, Womankind Worldwide.

“Menstruation should never be a barrier to a girl’s ambitions/ aspirations, yet this is the reality for Girls in various communities.  The stigma, shame and lack of access to basic sanitary products keeps them from living in dignity. With this comic book, we are breaking that silence and standing in solidarity with every girl who has ever felt less because of the injustice that unfairly comes with her period. Together with Womankind Worldwide, we are not just telling stories – we are creating a movement for dignity, equality and a future where no girl is left behind because of something as natural as her period. This is more than a campaign; it is a declaration that every girl’s right to dignity, education, health and self-worth is non-negotiable.” – Anne Agar, Polycom Girls,  Managing Director. 

For more information or to request interviews, please contact:

Yvonne Ndirangu
Communications Officer, Womankind Worldwide
Email: yndirangu@womankind.org.uk

Or 

Vincent Muinde
Communications Officer, Polycom Girls
Email: vincent@polycomgirls.or.ke 

About Polycom Girls
Polycom Girls is a Pan-African feminist organisation committed to empowering women and girls through education, sports, and sanitation programs. We aim to advocate for gender equality and influence policy on issues affecting girls’ lives.

About Womankind Worldwide
Womankind Worldwide is an international women’s rights organization and funder working with women’s rights and feminist movements across the world to end gender inequality. We support diverse women’s rights organisations, representing the most marginalised groups including LGBTQI+, women with disabilities, young women, indigenous women and women in the criminal justice system to challenge inequality, at home, in communities and the workplace. We fund and strengthen these movements and advocate for change alongside them.

Note to Editors:

The comic book is available for download on this link