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| Government to waiver off taxes on menstrual hygiene product |
Human rights stakeholders are calling on the government to waive taxes on menstrual products to make them accessible among women and girls which has remained a challenge in rural areas.
This comes even when the world commemorates Menstrual Hygiene day that is usually marked on May 28 annually with this year’s theme being ‘’Together for a Period Friendly World.’’
Speaking in Baraka primary school in Solio village, Laikipia county during the Menstrual hygiene celebrations on Tuesday, they noted that girls who had attained age of menstruating were being taken advantage of by sex predators as they tried to access pads for their hygiene hence falling victim of teen pregnancies and even dropping out of school.
‘’Menstrual hygiene is very important in our society and in Laikipia, the issue has not been fully addressed, hence women undergoing a myriad of challenges due to poverty in rural areas,” said Justin Atemi, Habitat for Humanity public health expert.
He added that the majority of women and girls were not able to access menstrual products due to their high prices.
‘’We call upon the government and other partners to keenly support our rural homes and schools on accessibility of menstrual hygiene products including waiving off taxes,” Atemi urged.
Additionally, poor sanitation especially rural homes and schools was also pointed out as a challenge that needed to be addressed aimed at ensuring women and girls lived dignified lives.
A teacher at Baraka Primary school Ms Mariam Machaira said that despite concerted effort by different partners, period poverty still was a threat to development among rural women and girls due to poverty and with young girls being the majority of those affected.
“Most of our pupils don’t come from well off families making them miss out on school when they are experiencing ovulation but with proper support, this issue can be addressed,” she said.
By Muturi Mwangi