𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐲𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐤𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐛-𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲
Today, H.E. First Lady Prof. Janet Kassilly Barasa conducted a menstrual hygiene initiative and mentorship program at St Joseph’s Lusumu Comprehensive School in Navakholo Sub-County, bringing together more than 1,268 girls from nine schools across the area.
Through a partnership between the Prof. Janet Barasa Foundation and HURU International, each learner received a menstrual hygiene starter kit comprising six reusable sanitary pads, two pairs of underwear, and washing soap to support safe and dignified menstrual hygiene management.
Speaking during the mentorship session, Prof. Janet Barasa urged the learners to remain focused on their education, emphasizing that academic excellence should remain their primary goal. She noted that regardless of one’s background, education is the greatest equalizer, providing every child with an opportunity to transform their life and uplift their family.
The First Lady encouraged the girls to attend school consistently, set clear academic goals, remain disciplined, and uphold integrity and prayer, stressing that good character is the foundation of lasting success.
On menstrual hygiene management, Prof. Janet Barasa reminded the learners that menstruation is normal and noble, urging them to be ambassadors of kindness, empathy, and respect by never ridiculing or stigmatizing fellow girls because they are menstruating.
She further advised the beneficiaries on the proper use and care of reusable sanitary pads, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards of hygiene. She encouraged them to wash the pads with clean cold water and soap after use, dry them thoroughly in direct sunlight, and periodically disinfect them by soaking them in warm salt water before drying them again in the sun, ensuring they are safe and ready for the next menstrual cycle.
The First Lady commended HURU International for partnering in the initiative, noting that reusable sanitary pads offer a sustainable solution for vulnerable girls whose families are unable to afford disposable sanitary products due to economic hardships.
She called upon more development partners to join hands in addressing period poverty across Kakamega County, observing that inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products contributes to school absenteeism and increases the vulnerability of girls to risks such as teenage pregnancy.
The initiative is also scheduled for Mumias West and Lugari Sub-Counties.
Present during the event included HURU International representatives led by Mr Justus Akalungu, CECM for Social Services Ms Jackline Masicha, Chief Officers: Mr Ambrose Makokha (Education); Ms Rose Muhanda (Public Health); Ms Christine Oside (Social Services); Ms Mildred Okwako (Communication); Advisors: Mr Emmanuel Makokha (Youth); and Ms Leah Khasandi (Gender), Sub-County Education Director Mr Juma Leo, among other education stakeholders