Geita Gold Mine is breaking the silence on menstrual hygiene

Menstruation is a natural and healthy part of life, but for many people who menstruate, it is a source of shame, fear and discrimination.

Lack of access to adequate menstrual hygiene products, facilities and education can have serious consequences for their health, education and livelihoods.

It is for this reason that Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML), a company that values sustainability and community development, is taking steps to support menstrual hygiene initiatives in the areas where we operate.

GGML believes that by improving menstrual hygiene, we can also empower women and girls, reduce stigma and discrimination, and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

To mark World Menstrual Hygiene Day, which is observed on 28 May every year, GGML organised a series of activities to raise awareness and address the challenges associated with menstrual hygiene.

One of these was a visit to Nyankumbu Girls Secondary School, where members of the community team spoke to hundreds of students about this important issue.

GGML invited a health worker to explain the biological and psychological aspects of menstruation and proper menstrual hygiene.

GGML also distributed 72 boxes of sanitary pads to the students and showed them how to use them properly.

On 28th May, GGML organised a rally with the Geita Town Council to mark World Menstrual Hygiene Day in Geita. The rally was attended by various stakeholders including local government officials, civil society organisations, media and community members.

The aim of the rally was to spread the message that menstrual hygiene is a human rights issue, not just a health issue, and that every person who menstruates deserves respect and dignity.

GGML’s Senior Manager for Sustainability, Gilbert Mworia says GGML is proud to be part of this global movement to break the silence on menstrual hygiene and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for people who menstruate.

We hope our efforts will inspire others to join us and make a positive difference in the lives of millions of women and girls around the world.

Commenting on the efforts being made by the Nyankumbu Girls’ School, Headmaster, Georgia Mugashe said the issue of safe and clean menstruation ways is a priority that has been set for a safe environment in every area of the school.

Starting with education, Mugashe said they regularly teach the students about reproductive health and how to take precautions, due to their tender ages.

He added: “Everywhere we put pads in their hostels/dormitories they have them, if they are in school there is a special room for girls that has pads and infrastructure for change.

“Others are placed in the doctor’s or nurse’s clinic near this school… so even if a student has stomach pain going to the hospital will also enable her to get free pads so everyone in the neighborhood gets this service free.”

Elaborating, he noted that the menstruation education and clean and safe ways is being provided at all levels from school to students in collaboration with the District Council involving the parents.

“We explain to parents that right now the issue of clean and safe menstruation is something that every girl should have, not something to hide as a taboo, so we talk to them to make them they become aware of their responsibility.

“In the WhatsApp group, the parents of all the students are reached as members, where we make it clear that every month a parent must think of allocating a budget to her daughter for the purchase of the pads, or simply put buy her one packet of pads that sells Sh1500 or 2000,” he further said.

In addition to these methods, he noted that they always use the forums to educate parents and girls on the importance of clean and safe menstruation for further their hygiene and health.

Last but not least, the Headmaster thanked GGML for continuing the efforts to help the students and the community around the mine with various equipment including pads that have become a lifesaver for the school’s children and even reduced the cost of running the institution.

In celebration of World Menstruation Day this year, there was a national slogan that said: “Menstruation is precious and the foundation of health for girls and women, empower us”.

The declaration was aimed at laying emphasis on safe menstruation for girls and mothers for the benefit of present and future generations.