Disposal of menstrual waste and the taboo issue

Menstrual health products. (Courtesy/iStock)

While girls her age around the world attend school and enjoy learning, 14-year-old Susan* from Kajiado, moans in pain. Not only is she suffering from dysmenorrhoea, or menstrual cramps, but she is also psychologically traumatised.

Later in the day, she is forced to change the pads donated by well-wishers, and her anxiety increases. Living in an area where pit latrines are few or non-existent, she uses them not only to relieve herself, but also to dispose of used pads.