Male comrades seek to combat menstrual stigma

Rongo University administration has rolled out an initiative of teaching male students in the institution how to handle female students when in their menses.

The programme rolled out through Africa Light Movement (AFLIMO) and Peace Ambassadors of Kenya, is majorly concerned with teaching male students about menstrual stigma against women.

According to Kelvin Mbura, the AFLIMO chairperson, the move to educate male comrades was to fight the myth that men are illiterate on menstruation and provide them with the right information.

“We decided to come up with this initiative since many girls are suffering from menstrual stigma. I believe menstrual stigma is caused by men,” he said.

“We want to break the notion that menstruation is taboo by empowering the male students who will in return empower the women,” Brian Wangare, the Deputy Chair added.

Some of the lessons taught were on: proper ways of handling sanitary pads when put on, proper ways of disposal, and checking the quality of sanitary pads.