This archive report was first published on 6 October 2019.
Published on October 6, 2019, by Caroline Njung'E, the Editor of 'Society' and Magazines at the Daily Nation.
Menstruation is a natural process that every woman goes through, yet it is often shrouded in stigma and embarrassment. This is a phenomenon that is not unique to any particular culture or society, but is rather a universal experience that is often met with shame and ridicule.
One of the most striking examples of this stigma is the story of Jackline Chepngeno, a primary school student who committed suicide after being taunted and humiliated by a female teacher for getting her period and soiling her clothes. The teacher's actions were not only cruel but also ignorant, as she failed to understand that menstruation is a natural process that every woman experiences.
Mothers and fathers have a crucial role to play in demystifying menstruation for their daughters and sons. By teaching them about the natural process of menstruation, they can help to break down the stigma and embarrassment that surrounds it. This is especially important for young girls, who need to be assured that their periods are a normal part of being a woman.
Boys also need to be taught about menstruation, as they will often be the ones ridiculing girls who soil their clothes. By educating them about the natural process of menstruation, we can help to break down the stigma and create a more supportive and understanding environment for girls and women.
It is time for us to stop stigmatizing menstruation and start embracing it as a natural part of life. By doing so, we can create a more supportive and understanding environment for girls and women, and help to break down the stigma that surrounds this natural process.
