This archive report was first published on 30 August 2021.
Janet Mbugua: Menstrual Health Advocate ¶
Janet Mbugua, a renowned media personality, has transitioned from her on-air career to become a passionate advocate for menstrual health. Through her foundation, Inua Dada, and her book 'My First Time', she tackles the stigma surrounding menstruation and empowers young people to speak up.
Published on August 30, 2021
Janet Mbugua's journey into advocacy began with a desire to break the silence surrounding menstruation. She shares her experiences and insights in an exclusive interview with Nyakundi Report.
'I was still trying to find my foot in advocacy while still on TV,' Janet recalls. 'I had prepared for about 6 months, informed my family, and had an endorsement with a brand already. That transition was easy because I left to be who I really am.'
Janet's foundation, Inua Dada, provides resources and platforms for menstrual health and reproductive health, especially for teen mothers. She also launched a campaign called 'Hatutasita' to challenge people to use every platform to spread their message and advocate for their standards.
Janet emphasizes the importance of funding for menstrual health, stating that it is one of the most underfunded social injustices in the world. She cites the example of Scotland, where pads are now free for every woman in the country.
Janet's book, 'My First Time', features stories of men and women from different backgrounds, highlighting the importance of storytelling in breaking the silence surrounding menstruation. She is set to launch volume two of the book soon, featuring stories from all over Africa.
Janet's advocacy work is not without its challenges. She shares her experiences of carrying the weight of people's stories and the importance of engaging her children in her work.
As a mom, Janet prioritizes being open and honest with her children, teaching them the art of asking how her day was and engaging with them in her work.
Janet's message to anyone reading this is clear: 'Your voice matters because everything that happens everyday affects you more than you know. Your voice matters, use it in any way, the storm is closer than you think.'
