International Day of the Girl Child

KNA by Anita Omwenga…

In celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child marked on October 11, Polycom Girls in partnership with Womankind Worldwide have launched a comic book on menstrual health education.

Siri Ya Mwezi comic book written by Abigail Arunga and illustrated by Nzilani Simu through the eyes of Hakima, a young girl, who embarks on a journey that not only challenges long-standing taboos but also celebrates the courage it takes to ask questions, and seek answers, and stand tall in the face of stigma.

Through engaging storytelling, the book educates adolescents, communities, and policymakers on the importance of menstrual health and addresses key challenges such as period poverty and menstrual stigma.

Executive Director Polycom Girls, Anne Agar while speaking during the launch of Siri Ya Mwezi comic book under the #Myperiodt! Campaign on Friday in Nairobi said the book aims to promote inclusive conversations around menstrual health and the need for integration of menstrual health education into the school curriculum.

“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,” said Agar.

She said that menstruation should never be a barrier to a girl’s ambitions, yet this is the reality for girls in various communities in Kenya.

 “The stigma, shame, and lack of access to information and basic sanitary products keep girls and young women from living in dignity,” she said.

Agar said the book is a call to action for every girl, parent, teacher, and community member to foster open conversations to support the idea that periods are not a source of shame but a symbol of growth and strength.

“Together with Womankind Worldwide, we are not just telling stories, we are creating a movement for dignity, equity, and a future where no girl is left behind because of something as natural as her periods,” she said.

 Co-Chief Executive Officer Womankind Worldwide Diana Njuguna said 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.

 “We believe the conversations sparked by this comic book will catalyze a transformative shift in menstrual health and reproductive rights for young women and girls,” said Njuguna

She said adolescent girls have the right to a safe, educated, and healthy life, not only during these critical formative years but also as they mature into women.

 “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,” she said adding that it underpins their solidarity with all women and girls.

Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma said that we must enact policies that remove gatekeepers, control menstrual and sexual reproductive health information, and prioritize adolescent health and menstrual equity.

 “We are moving beyond politics and towards securing every girl’s right to knowledge, resources, and holistic growth,” said Mumma while speaking during the same event.

She said this comic book empowers adolescent girls, boys, and youth with knowledge on menstrual health, noting that access to information remains a key barrier for adolescents, which hinders their ability to thrive.

Zipporah Kittony, a former Kenyan politician and women’s and children’s rights activist said adolescent girls have the right to a safe, educated, and healthy life, not only during these critical formative years, but also as they mature into women.

Kittony said if effectively supported during their adolescent years, girls have the potential to change the world – both as the empowered girls of today and as tomorrow’s mothers, entrepreneurs, mentors, and political leaders.

The International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated every year. It focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.

This year’s theme is ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future’. It conveys both the need for urgent action and persistent hope, driven by the power of girls’ voices and vision for the future.

Polycom Girls and Womankind Worldwide have called for a collective effort from policy makers, educators, health providers, and community leaders to prioritize menstrual health towards menstrual equity, ensuring every girl can strive with dignity.