First National Training of Trainers on Menstrual
Hygiene Management - Kenya
Sweet Lake Resort, Naivasha, Kenya (28 July-3 August, 2016)
Workshop Report
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Many individuals came together to make this training an important first step in a holistic inclusive approach
to implementing menstrual hygiene management in Kenya. The blessings and support of the Ministry of
Health, Government of Kenya were instrumental in the success of this seven-day training. The support of
UNICEF, AMREF & WSSCC was appreciated in bringing the right participants from 16 counties, national
government as well as Tanzania, South Africa and Niger to the training. The substantive participation of the
Ministry of Health throughout the training along with the Ministry of Education ensures that this training will
be translated into holistic MHM policy and a comprehensive approach on the ground. The participants
brought an energy, dynamism, openness and commitment that was a delight to trainers and co-trainees alike.
Trainers, Session organizers & Planners:
Christine Mvurya, Kwale County First Lady and National MHM Ambassador
Jackson Muriithi, Assistant Director, Ministry of Health
Daniel Kurao, GSF Programme Manager AMFREF
Jane Kiminta, MHM Focal Person AMFREF
Neville Okwaro, Programme Officer M&E, Ministry of Health
Irene Gai, Programmes Coordinator KWAHO
Beverly Mademba, Head of Programming WASH United
Tobias Omufwoko: WSSCC coordinator Kenya
Virginia Kamowa: WSSCC coordinator Geneva
Archana Patkar: Lead Trainer & Facilitator
Trainees who also doubled as resource persons:
Additional sessions on waste disposal: Eva Muhia and Lolem Lokolile
Group work on human rights: Inga Winkler
Knowledge management & Yammer: Sailas Nyareza
Report Preparation: Neville Okwaro, Sailas Nyareza, Jenny Karlsen & Inga Winkler
Report Editors: Sailas Nyareza and Archana Patkar
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CONTENTS
Contents
..............................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................4
Background and Objectives of the Training .........................................................4
Participants ..........................................................................................................4
Opening Ceremony ..............................................................................................5
Expectations of Participants – Hopes and Fears ..................................................6
Ground Rules ........................................................................................................7
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK.................................................................................8
Day 1: Introductory session – What is Gender? ..................................................8
Some voices from the participants ......................................................................9
Day 2: Conceptual Framework .............................................................................9
Modular Training................................................................................................12
Day 3: The three-pronged approach to MHM ...................................................13
Day 4: MHM Lab and Modules ..........................................................................14
Day 5: Planning the Way Forward......................................................................16
CLOSING .............................................................................................................19
Day 6: Closing .....................................................................................................19
Findings and Reflections ....................................................................................21
The Pledge ..........................................................................................................24
Additional documentation .................................................................................24
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INTRODUCTION
Background and Objectives of the Training
The workshop aimed to explore the following:
1. What is gender in sanitation, hygiene and water and why is it so important?
2. Where does menstrual hygiene management fit in gender and WASH?
3. How can MHM provide a powerful entry point to addressing other inequalities in WASH and
wider?
4. How can we connect MHM trainers so they can share and learn through knowledge exchange
mechanisms and platforms?
5. How can we make resource efficient plans to achieve measurable progress on inclusive
services by changing mind sets at the county level?
6. What should our national policy look like with matching guidelines to ensure safe, sustainable
and inclusive hygiene for women and men, girls and boys across Kenya?
The pool of trainers was drawn from the eight trainers from Kenya who attended the MHM training of
trainers’ (ToT) workshop held from 14-18 December 2015 in Kerala, India. They include government
representatives, the WSSCC National Coordinator Kenya, a county first lady, and NGO partners. The
ToT in Kenya comes at an important time and forms part of a larger process of WASH policy
transformation in Kenya.
Participants
The participants were drawn from 16 different counties in Kenya (out of a total of 47). Many of the
counties had a GSF or UNICEF presence with an average of 2-3 participants from each county. Several
officers from the national Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education also participated as did two
first ladies. About 7 participants came from NGOs. Additional participants came from Tanzania (4),
South Africa (1), and Niger (1). For a complete list of participants see Annex II. Participants are chosen
based on several criteria including their mandate to carry out trainings, their role in policy making,
sectoral affiliation and ability to influence and drive change and local government positioning in order
to implement on the ground. This was also the first MHM TOT where visually and hearing impaired
participants joined those with motor disabilities helping facilitators and participants alike to learn how
to work together better.
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Opening Ceremony
Jackson Muriithi, Assistant Director of Public Health, Government of Kenya, welcomed participants to
the Training. He recounted his Kerala experience from which he said he emerged a ‘changed’ man. In
order to get to know each other, the training started with a ‘Moving Map’ of participants to map the
places from which participants attended as well as participants’ background and thematic experiences
and expertise. Participants realized that while they come from different geographies, different sectors
and speak different languages, they face common challenges around gender and MHM. Archana
Patkar, Programme Manager, WSSCC, explained the background for the training in Kenya including
discussions in November 2015 with the Technical working group headed by Dr. Kepha Ombacho and
WSSCC’s positive response to support the Government of Kenya on policy and practice in MHM.
Subsequently, due process resulted in government and NGO representatives Christine Mvurya, Jackson
Muriithi, Irene Gai, Beverly Mademba, Jane Kiminta, Neville Okwaro, Daniel Kurao, and Tobias
Omufwoko being supported by WSSCC to travel to Kenya to participate in an MHM TOT along with five
other Indian states. These trainers then took up the baton to coo-organise and facilitate the first
national MHM TOT in Kenya. Ms Patkar thanked the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education,
AMREF, UNICEF and the First Ladies from the counties as well as the 8 trainers for their commitment
to MHM and their role in organising this first TOT.
The First Ladies from ten counties all over Kenya formed a central part of the opening of the training.
They are part of the Association of the Counties’ First Ladies, which represents all 47 counties. Upon
her return from Kerala, H. E. Christine Mvurya, the First Lady from Kwale County and National MHM
Ambassador worked tirelessly to organise First Ladies across the 47 counties to break the silence
around menstruation. 12 of these First ladies attended the opening ceremony and received sashes
crowning them as MHM champions. All twelve First Ladies also attended a session in the MHM Lab later
in the day and two stayed on to participate in the 6-day training.
Figure 1: Crowning of the County First Ladies
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Several of the First Ladies stressed that the challenges related to MHM are interconnected: The
affordability of materials, the disposal and menstrual waste, the silence around menstruation, and the
need for education. Sanitary pads are important, but not sufficient by themselves. There is a need for
accurate and non-judgmental information before menarche. Such information is not only for girls, but
men and boys must also be involved. Only when all these challenges will be addressed
comprehensively, will women and girls be enabled to manage menstruation in a hygienic and dignified
manner.
During the formal opening,
Issues highlighted by the First Ladies
Daniel Kurao, AMREF, GSF
 Silence on menstruation has cost the country dearly.
Programme
Manager,
 MHM cuts across counties ... dialogue needed yesterday.
recalled how he has broken
 We need to do something about disposal of menstrual
the silence in his own home
waste. Menstruation matters to everyone everywhere.
with his daughters and his
We need to break the silence by starting in our own
wife. He stressed the
counties.
importance of budgets that
 We ask men to help demystify menstruation.
include sanitary pads and
measures
that
are
responsive to the needs of women and girls. Discussions in your own home can be a starting point for
breaking social, institutional, and physical barriers to addressing menstrual hygiene.
Tobias Omufwoko, the National Coordinator for WSSCC in Kenya, emphasized the MHM Training as
part of a larger process dating back to the training in Kerala and the role of the Ministry of Health and
all other partners.
Chris Williams, Executive Director, WSSCC, reminded everyone that MHM is an issue of life, not a
gender issue. WSSCC is committed to putting equality and non-discrimination front and centre,
focusing on the hard to reach, looking at the excluded and always asking whether services are for
everyone including adolescents, older persons, persons with disabilities, among others. MHM provides
an entry point for many other issues that we are not comfortable talking about and initiating a wider
discussion on equality and power that is long overdue.
Kepha Ombacho, Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Government of Kenya reaffirmed the
commitment of the Kenyan government. He is convinced that the right to sanitation is achievable and
will be made a reality for all by working together. He reminded us that people present at the training
need to take MHM forward to scale up. All 47 counties in Kenya must take on MHM.
Kabi Nuncio, as a representative of the Governor from Nakuru County, explained the campaign in
Nakuru to provide free sanitary pads to women and girls and put it in the larger context of women’s
and girls’ empowerment.
A number of key messages emerged during the opening: the secrecy and shame around MHM is a
challenge all over the world, North or South, East or West. The MHM Training is a huge step in breaking
the silence, but must be part of a much broader process to ensure that all women and girls will be able
to manage menstruation with knowledge and confidence.
Expectations of Participants – Hopes and Fears
Participants expressed their expectations, hopes and fears for the training. Some of the fears relate to
contextualizing the discussion on MHM with participants from all over Kenya as well as other countries.
The facilitators pointed out, though, that at the same time, this diversity can be an opportunity for
learning from each other and identifying common challenges. Other questions and fears relate to how
to implement concepts in practice, in particular with limited funding available. However, Archana
Patkar pointed out that in many instances MHM is about finding simple local solutions. It is much more
about changing mind sets than securing large amounts of funding. In terms of resources, human
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resources and capacity development are a much larger challenge. Finally, in terms of scope, moving
from the 16 counties present at the Training to all 47 counties in Kenya will be an important challenge
to tackle.
Figure 3: Hopes and Fears
In terms of their expectations and hopes, many participants put breaking the silence around
menstruation first. Many hoped to gain knowledge on MHM as well as skills for training, networking
and sharing their knowledge. To enable them to move forward from the Training, participants further
expressed their hope for technical guidance and support so that the Training is just one step in the
journey towards making menstrual hygiene a priority. WSSCC is committed to providing communication
tools for networking and supporting each other as well as refresher courses on MHM. Participants also
hope for the training to lead to implementation through policies, programmes and resources. Many
participants expressed a particular interest in working with particular population groups such as people
living in informal settlements, persons with disabilities, pastoralists, adolescents, and people in rural
communities.
Ground Rules
Participants agreed on ground rules for the training including respect for diversity and each other’s
values, perspectives and beliefs, creating an atmosphere for open sharing, accommodating persons
with disabilities and timekeeping. For the full agenda of the training see Annex I.
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CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Day 1: Introductory session – What is Gender?
Participants were prompted to react to the question: What is gender?
Many participants referred to disparities between males and females. Likewise, many references to
women’s empowerment and women’s rights were included. Some specific issues such as early
marriage and FGM were also raised. Others pointed out that gender is not only about women, but
about gender relations. Participants also stressed that gender must be distinguished from sex;
persons are not born with their gender. Biological functions and differences, in particular in the
context of reproduction, must be distinguished from socially constructed gender differences.
Participants also pointed to the fact that gender is relevant in all spheres of life and all policy fields
from households to political power structures. Some of the roles and concepts that were brought up
included women as care-takers, division of tasks, men as supervisors, and different types of
celebrations for the birth of baby boys and girls
Some of the terms brought up in the discussion included:
Figure 4: Different terms on Gender
The day closed by engaging in a more in-depth and lively discussion about gender roles, nurturing
skills of women and men, and parenthood. The main line of discussion centred on the question of
nature vs. nurture, i.e. to what extent are differences between men and women based on biological
factors and to what extent are they acquired and socially constructed.
Participants gave many references and examples related to culture and traditions as well as personal
examples of mothers and their roles in their homes and society. For example, many young girls are
asked to wait to eat and first give food to the boys. This is how the idea of caring for others is
engrained from a very young age. Discussions also reflected that stereotypes in the Kenyan culture
are favouring power structures where men are given stronger positions than women based on
historically and socially constructed gender roles. In different economic sectors, women and men
have different gendered roles, for example in agriculture and service industry, e.g. housekeepers are
usually women. This despite the fact that biological differences between women and men allow men
and women equal parenting opportunities apart from pregnancy, giving birth and breastfeeding.
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Some voices from the participants
• Female Participant: Men can learn to become more caring. A problem is that women
may not enable men to change their role in society, e.g. there may be trust issues in
terms of caring for children.
• Male Participant: Only a woman has breasts and a womb, this affects how she is
perceived by her children.
• Male Participant: There are some men who can do a better a job than mothers. The
question is how society perceives it if a man takes care of children. Men and women
have the capabilities of taking care of children. The challenge is how to change the
mindset, so that both parents see it as their responsibility.
• Male Participant: Attachment to fathers differs, for example, if the mother is working.
Also, often children may be more attached to the father, as the mother is perceived as
stricter.
• Female Participant: Men can do what we think they cannot.
Key differences between sex and gender
Figure 5: Differences between sex and gender
Facilitators stressed that we must agree on certain things and question our own beliefs and values
that have developed in socialization process over centuries. It seemed agreeable to participants that
gendered roles can to a large extent be changed over time. See the presentation here (Gender Part 1)
for more details on the concept of gender.
Day 2: Conceptual Framework
The first half of the day continued the presentation, discussion and application of conceptual issues
focusing on equality & non-discrimination and the human rights to water & sanitation. To start with,
the film “No Relief” and the research article on sanitation-related psychosocial stress prompted a
discussion on dignity, vulnerability, stress, access and services for everyone. The subsequent
discussion focused on gender equality in the context of sanitation and identifying why sanitation is
such an important issue for women and girls, and how their experience of sanitation differs from that
of men. Several factors contribute to that:


Studies show that women and girls need to urinate more often than men and boys.
Women and girls cannot urinate standing up. They need to sit down and take off their clothes.
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

Women and girls face expectations and perceptions of modesty. They are not supposed to be
seen when urinating.
Women and girls are at risk of assault and attack when urinating because they are physically
more vulnerable.
The following sessions introduced the concepts of equity, equality and non-discrimination as well as
the human rights to water and sanitation. Please see the PowerPoint presentation here (Part 11
Equality and Non-discrimination).
In the context of gender equality, the discussion focused on the broad range of areas where women
are disadvantaged: At a very practical level, the design of sanitation facilities (but also many other
services) is usually for a young, able-bodied male. Yet, humanity comes in different shapes, ages and
forms. At a broader level, even if resources are equally distributed and measures such as quotas are
put in place, complex, socially embedded factors may hinder women from being able to use these
resources and have the same influence as men. Changing these power structures through education,
information and ultimately voice and agency for the excluded is an urgent need. The First Lady H. E.
Nazi Kivutha from Makueni County stressed that she is not just the governor’s spouse, but the First
Lady, who is a leader herself and has an important role to fulfil on her own.
A Human Rights Perspective on Sanitation and Hygiene
The discussion then turned to barriers to using sanitation and hygiene services. Participants stressed
that sanitation is taboo. It is always nicer to talk about water, in particular for politicians. Participants
also emphasized that if people’s behaviour does not change, the mere construction of a facility will
not lead to change.
In the context of human rights, the UN Human Rights Council recognized that everyone, without
discrimination, is entitled “to have physical and affordable access to sanitation, in all spheres of life,
that is safe, hygienic, secure, acceptable and that provides privacy and ensures dignity.” The
discussion in groups was based on these aspects based on the human rights framework:
 Availability
 Accessibility
 Affordability
 Safety
 Acceptability
Groups discussed these aspects in both household and non-household (public) settings. Guidance
emerging from the group work is summarized below:
Availability






Are there sufficient facilities for the number of people who use them?
Are facilities available wherever people need them?
Does availability of services cover all relevant sanitation services, including toilets/latrines and
their emptying?
Does it cover all hygiene services, including handwashing facilities, soap, materials for anal
and genital cleansing, facilities for MHM and sanitary bins for disposal and/or facilities for
washing and drying reusables?
Is the enabling environment in place including legislation, policies, planning processes,
funding mechanisms, capacity building etc.?
Is there awareness of the benefits of using sanitation and hygiene facilities?
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Accessibility






Are facilities located in a space where people can access them conveniently? Are they
sufficiently close?
Can facilities be used by everyone in the household / everyone in public spaces, in particular
across the dimensions of gender, age, disability and health condition?
Do people face physical barriers to using facilities (entry, support in the facility etc.,
spaciousness, design of facility)?
Are individuals restricted in using facilities due to socio-cultural factors?
Are facilities well operated and maintained?
Are facilities unlocked at all times, including at night?
Affordability




What mechanisms are in place to ensure that everyone can afford sanitation and hygiene
services?
Does determining affordability include all costs, including, for instance, costs of the emptying
of pits or septic tanks?
Are services affordable to the poorest in the community?
Do women have sufficient control over the household budget to pay for sanitation services
(pay-per-use facilities, construction of toilets in the home) and sanitary materials?
Safety






Is the infrastructure, material and design safe for all users?
Are facilities clean and hygienic?
Is water available for hygiene?
Is there adequate lighting?
Is it physically safe for women and girls to access facilities (in terms of location and distance)?
Is it ensured that women and girls do not face psycho-social stress, assault or violence when
they seek to access sanitation facilities?
Are the facilities environmentally safe, i.e. do they not contaminate the environment through
leakage, overflow or unsafe disposal?
Acceptability



Do facilities guarantee privacy? Can they be locked?
Have communities been involved in the siting, design and construction of the facilities to
ensure that the facilities meet the needs of everyone in the community?
Are cleansing materials acceptable to users?
Menstrual Hygiene Management
Whatever the culture, language or geography menstruation is shrouded in myths, secrecy,
euphemisms and silence. Participants from different cultural and educational contexts, rural and
urban backgrounds converged on the shared trauma, confusion, fear and ignorance at menarche,
Male participants shared their complete lack of knowledge, confusion and ignorance during accidents
in school, siblings or friends stained uniforms and inability to support or help due to the all-pervasive
silence and embarrassment. Talking about menstruation is still forbidden or discouraged.
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To begin the actual training on MHM, participants (both women and men) shared their first menstrual
experiences. Some examples from female participants included:






I thought I was the first person. I was really confused. I didn’t know what happened, if I had
broken my virginity, or given birth.
I was privileged to have information from my mom at 11 years. The primary school I went to
called the manufacturers of pads. By the time of 12 years I had the information on how to
deal with it. But there was still a lot of secrecy around it.
I started to cry. I thought it could be a disease. My mother told me, I’m a big girl now and that
I should stop crying.
I thought this can’t be true. I kept changing panties. My sister saw the line of panties and gave
me advice.
My mom had never told me anything. My clothes were all wet. I had to ask my mum what
was happening, but didn’t know how to tell her. My mom didn’t know sign language so it was
difficult to communicate. I told the other deaf girls.
My mother was a teacher and she talked about it, with me and my five big sisters.
Figure 6: Menstruation in local languages
Some experiences from men include:


I was in primary school class. One of the girls sat behind, she went to tell the teacher. She left
the class. She came back and whispered something, and they left. I asked what is wrong. I had
noticed there was some blood on the seat. I thought she was sick.
I was working. One morning, I saw blood in the hostel everywhere. What is this?
Modular Training
The training covered all Learning Units from the Manual. Please see the ToT Manual for more details
on the content and the activities. Participants are encouraged to make recommendations on the
Manual (as well as the other tools) to adjust them to the Kenyan / East African context
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Day 3: The three-pronged approach to MHM
WSSCC’s three-pronged approach to MHM including breaking the silence, safe management, and
safe re-use or disposal is designed to demystify menstruation, rid it of shame and fear and surround it
with information, dignity and pride. See the document here for WSSCC support on MHM
Figure 7: WSSCC’s three-pronged approach
The discussion on safe disposal continued later in the day through a detailed presentation by Lolem
Lokolile, Head of Waste Management and Climate Change Unit in Ministry of Health and Eva
Muhia, Director of the Global Sanitation Environmental Project. This triggered a more in-depth
discussion around waste after participants became aware that MHM creates a large amount of waste
that cannot be neglected even if it used to be hidden. Lolem’s presentation is available here and Eva’s
here
Figure 8: Commonly used disposal methods
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From Day 3 participant trainees began the serious work of working module by module to train their
colleagues through various role plays. These included MHM for girls and boys in schools and in
community settings. The session also introduced WSSCC’s tool kit made up of the FlipBook and the
Menstrual Wheel and completed by the 28 bead bracelet and pledge.
Figure 9: MHM tools
Participants were assigned homework, in particular to look into any research or activities on
menstruation and menstrual hygiene in their county or country and to post their responses on the
Yammer Platform. Examples include:
Figure 10: Assignments on the Yammer platform
Day 4: MHM Lab and Modules
The central component of Day 4 was the MHM Lab for every participant. Women went inside the
MHM tent as a safe and private space, whereas men had discussions outside. Participants
experienced themselves how to run the lab and prepare as trainers. All participants in the lab made
and wore the MHM bracelet and took the MHM Pledge. The lab was conceived as an efficient
advocacy and information tool on MHM that can be run in marketplaces, schools, community centres,
gatherings or fairs for 90 minutes to three hours. It is also a successful advocacy tool for conferences
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and seminars.
Figure 11: MHM Lab
Addressing Misconceptions
Participants underwent a journey through the training. This change is captured below as their
perceptions and ideas changed over the course of the training.
Preliminary Ideas
Understanding that emerged over the course of
the training
There are many great companies in Kenya
producing commercial products. Our girls
deserve sanitary pads. We should not rely on
reusable pads.
After the MHM Lab we realized that there are
great reusable choices. MHM is not about
promoting any particular material but about
enabling choice and finding safe solutions.
Women and girls can also alternate between
different types of materials.
MHM is mostly about the distribution of pads.
There is so much more to MHM. To make real
progress and address structural issues that affect
women and girls, we need to follow the threepronged approach to MHM about breaking the
silence, safe management and safe re-use or
disposal.
MHM is a very technical and narrow issue.
MHM opens up a broader discussion on gender,
taboos and society. Participants at the training
started these discussions and questioned some
of their own prejudices and perceptions during
the workshop.
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MHM should be targeted at women and girls.
MHM is important for everyone, including men
and boys. It is about breaking the silence in
society at large.
MHM should primarily target girls in schools.
The most disadvantaged girls are often not in
school. Exclusion and disadvantage usually cuts
across many different areas of life and we need
to focus on the individuals and groups in society.
Table 2: Addressing misconceptions
Day 5: Planning the Way Forward
The central component of Day 4 was the MHM Lab for every participant. The key discussion on Day 5
centred on how to implement what participants have learned at the national, regional and county
level.
Participants discussed the way forward in geographically divided groups using the following steps:
-
Stakeholder analysis: Who are the stakeholders? Who will we be working with in the context
of MHM?
-
Defining the Objective
-
o
Advocacy: What is the specific objective you advocate for? (e.g. be invited to key
meetings, have information, mobilize funding, develop capacity
o
Training: Who would you like to train for what? How will you build a critical mass of
people you can work with?
o
Resource mobilization: Focus on domestic resources. For what? For whom? Where?
How?
o
Documentation and Monitoring: Document process and results and sharing with
others for learning.
Integrate cross-cutting dimensions of age (young and old) , gender, disability, health
condition.
In their sessions, the counties developed commitments with the following objectives:

Advocacy: Breaking the silence through conducting advocacy and sensitization meetings,
potentially involving the First Ladies,

Awareness-raising with the general public with the aim of ensuring that MHM is seen as an
issue that concerns everyone in society

Training: Building a critical mass with capacity and information and skills through training
public health officers and education officers on the three-pronged approach to MHM

Resource mobilization through identifying resources, potential donors and writing proposals,
including through county health committees

Implementation and integration: Implementation of MHM in ongoing WASH activities

Monitoring and Evaluation: Integrate MHM in monitoring and evaluation
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At the national level, Tanzanian participants committed to bringing information into technical
working groups & mainstreaming into ongoing WASH programmes.
Figure 12: Planning the way forward
The Kenyan national level group spelled out the following objectives:
1. Finalization/completion of MHM Policy & Strategy and development of standards e.g through
participation in KEBs meetings
2. Develop a national roadmap for advocacy for MHM





High level advocacy by cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries, governors and
county first ladies
Advocacy for partners to support government plans
Bringing on board the private sector, media, religious/faith based groups, Council of
Governors, Governors, Parliamentary Committee of Health, schools, manufacturers
etc.
Create critical mass of trainers in the counties and creation of County health specific
TWGs and ICCs
Map Stakeholders and leverage existing platforms for breaking silence/creating
awareness on MHM e. g through WASH ICC, partner’s meetings with counties, MOEST
platforms
3. Develop a national roadmap for capacity building for inclusive MHM


Standardize training content and messages for schools and community
Conduct more national ToTs
4. Monitoring & Evaluation and Operational Research

Integrate MHM indicators into DHIS
Full details on the objectives, plans and commitments are available on the Yammer platform here
Participants then engaged in a simulated High-Level Panel Discussion with the Minister of
Environment, Minister of Gender, Minister of Health, Minister for Education, a county First Lady, a
17
county Governor, the Minister of Finance, the Minister or Planning & Devolution, the Minister of
Water, a CSO, a media representative, and a representative of the East African Community. For some
highlights of the discussion, please see the Storify.
Figure 13: Simulated high-level panel discussions
Facilitation Tips and Tactics
-
Preparation: There is no substitute for preparation. Use analysis, including SWOT, talking to
people, understanding the baseline, reading about the community, knowing the subject well.
Have clear instructions for activities.
-
Listening is key, learn from stakeholders and communities.
-
Authority: Exert authority through gentle firmness. This is critical because the issues are so
sensitive. Tread carefully but without fear. You can’t be frightened of rocking the boat.
Otherwise there won’t be transformation. Know your territory, prepare, then there is no
reason to have fear.
-
Cultural sensitivity: Exert quiet authority and confidence. Don’t question people’s beliefs, but
demystify.
-
Materials and tools: WSSCC will revise and update the Manual, adapt it to the East African
context, reflecting more diversity. However, training tools will never be perfect. The most
important tool is interpersonal connection and engagement. Use different prompts, show
diversity in human reality in different ways.
-
Creativity: Regardless of revisions and sophistication, tools will also be limited. Conditions are
never perfect. There is resistance from communities. Other limitations include time. Use your
creativity. But creativity is not for creativity’s sake. Simple tools often work better than fancy
tools.
-
Terminology: Use correct terms. Don’t use euphemisms. Pronounce words correctly and
clearly (e.g. abdomen, penis, vagina, menstruation, ovary, fertilization etc.).
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-
Content: Be sure to know as much about the content as necessary. Do not hesitate to correct
(even if it is the co-trainer), otherwise people will leave with wrong information.
-
Engage with trainees: Be careful of lecturing. Ask lots of questions. Make it personal. Speak
from personal experience. People can’t contradict it.
-
Participation. Participation does not mean chaos. There must be opportunities for everyone.
Have a clear structure.
-
MHM as an entry point: Focus on MHM. But use it as an entry point for addressing broader
issues and other types of discrimination and inequalities. Be careful to avoid any stereotyping.
Read on gender, ethnicity and inclusion.
-
Gender-sensitivity: Address both boys’ and girls’ development. But don’t equate them.
Acknowledge patriarchal structures and silence about women’s needs. Menarche is not
perceived in the same way as semenarche.
-
Inequalities: Address age, gender, disability, and health condition in all discussion, measures
and activities.
-
Human rights. We’re speaking about everyone’s human rights. Be proud. Manage with
dignity. There should be no questioning.
CLOSING
Day 6: Closing
Participants engaged in a quiz on menstruation and menstrual hygiene that proved to be great fun.
Participants showed their extensive knowledge of menstruation and menstrual hygiene. They also
demonstrated great facilitation skills and the use of the tools introduced during the Training, in
particular the FlipBook. Determining the winning group was a challenge as all groups did an excellent
job.
In response to requests for support, Archana Patkar, Programme Manager, WSSCC, provided some
detail on the support WSSCC might be able to offer in moving forward distinguishing immediate,
medium and long-term needs:






WSSCC will be happy to send materials, in particular the FlipBook and the Menstrual Wheel
for conducting trainings in Kenya.
WSSCC will also revise, update and adapt the ToT Manual to the East African context and is
happy to support the translation of materials into Kiswahili. She encouraged participants to
adjust materials as necessary for their respective context, but stressed that any training must
follow the three-pronged approach stressing a holistic understanding of MHM.
One specific areas of work that was mentioned includes MHM for health practitioners, and
WSSCC has a specific tool for that context.
Another area mentioned was the development of indicators for monitoring the
implementation of MHM. Archana Patkar mentioned ongoing work in West Africa in this area.
Many indicators used in that context could also be used in Kenya, only the sources and means
or verification of the data would have to be adjusted.
WSSCC is happy to support key research on MHM that fills specific gaps linked to our
understanding of safe practices in partnership with UNICEF and other actors.
Along with other partners WSSCC is keen to support a holistic development of the inclusive
WASH policy in Kenya, including MHM and disability.
19
After lunch the training concluded with a formal closing ceremony, which was eloquently facilitated
by Ibrahim Basweti.
Veronica Gachambi, the Deputy Sub-County Administrator, as a representative of the First Lady
from Nakuru County, committed to taking MHM forward in particular through the First Ladies
Association across all 47 counties.
Victoria Mulili, Head of programme distribution of sanitary towels, Ministry of Education, explained
that the training has been an eye opener to her with a call to take MHM programming to the next
level. She recognized that in addition to product distribution girls urgently needed the right
information with a focus on breaking the silence. By integrating MHM in ongoing activities and giving
out information, MHM will cascade to different levels.
Agnes Makanyi, UNICEF, reminded us that MHM training needs to start early in the formative years,
both with boys and girls. Inadequate MHM is one of the causes why girls are absent from school. But
when children change and grow into adults, potentially into mothers and grandmothers, we will be
able to change an entire generation. MHM can spread like fire, she said, in the same way that CLTS
has in Kenya as we have many great ambassadors now, and UNICEF is ready to support that process
seeing this workshop as the beginning of a partnership with WSSCC.
Daniel Kurao, AMREF, encouraged us all to become trainers. He recalled the training in Kerala and
how the training team developed from there. He stressed that MHM is personal and relevant to all of
us. He believes that we now have a critical mass to champion MHM and that Kenya is ready to
mainstream MHM in the country in all programmes at all levels. AMREF is happy to be part of the
process.
Tobias Omufwoko, the National Coordinator for WSSCC, thanked everyone for attending the
training, which provides one step in the championing of MHM in Kenya. He stressed the role that
WSSCC will play in coordination.
Archana Patkar, Programme Manager, WSSCC, expressed joy at the making of a 100 new friends who
are committed to working together on MHM. She felt privileged for conducting the training in such a
wonderful setting away from the city, in beautiful Nakuru county, showcasing the best of Africa. She
stressed that WSSCC will support South South exchange and invited Kenyan facilitators on waste
disposal to a menstrual waste management workshop in Senegal in September 2016. She also pointed
out that Yammer provides a platform for staying connected, ongoing learning, mentorships and
refreshers. She emphasized that we need to put those who are historically facing injustice, front and
centre. In this regard, MHM is nothing but a starting point to address many other injustices and
stigma.
H. E. Christine Mvurya, First Lady from Kwale County, congratulated everyone on the intense
learning and sharing following the three-thronged approach to MHM. The 10 county First Ladies as
MHM champions plus everyone else will be able to spread the gospel of MHM across the country. She
stressed that there are many things we can do without (or very little) funding and encouraged
everyone to start right away as we leave Naivasha, in our own homes, workplaces, offices etc.
Dr. James Mwitari, Deputy Director for Public Health (with apologies from the Director Dr. Kepha
Ombacho) explained that the training could not have come at a better time with the recent adoption
of SDG 6, which underscores addressing the needs of women and girls. The Cabinet Secretary (as the
highest office in the Ministry) has already shown great interest in the area of MHM. The Ministry of
Health commits to:
1. Mainstreaming MHM in all WASH interventions in all communities through the community
strategy
2. Meaningful involvement of differently-abled people and seeking participation of persons with
disabilities in different working groups
3. Providing support for the MHM ToT manuals and rolling out training for all 46 counties
20
He closed by reciting the MHM Pledge. For the full remarks, please see Annex III.
In the final ceremony, all participants received certificates of participation in the training.
Findings and Reflections
Feedback gathered during the evaluation session facilitated by Christine Mvurya:
Most participants evaluated the ToT as very good to excellent. 53% indicated that they are totally
confident, and 35% and confident to apply what they learned in the training on their jobs.
Confidence to apply what they have learnt
11%
0%
1%
Totally confident
Confident
35%
53%
Not sure
Not confident
Not at all confident
Not answered
Figure 12: Confidence to apply what they learned
Some of the feedback offered included:
-
Breaking the silence in MHM by involving the men is issues of menstruation was very exciting
for me
-
The discussion on our own experiences, on taboos and on gender were all great. The lab
training was very helpful and interesting!
-
The best part of the training was the group work and the presentation of our findings. It was
fun and engaging, it will help me apply all the skills I acquired during the workshop
-
Being in the MHM Lab and talking freely about menstrual experiences was helpful
-
The first 2-3 days were very fast-paced. After that the training was much slower, more
practical and more interactive. Is there any way to move sessions around and make the first
two days more interactive?
-
Persons with disabilities had never been included before. The materials had not been
adapted, the programme was at times tiring.
-
Some of the terminology in the tools could be simplified.
-
The facilitation was sometimes very strict, but that was necessary to achieve the objectives.
-
There were some challenges for persons with disabilities, but these were addressed by the
facilitators as they came up.
21
“It was the first time to speak about menstruation since I was born. The first few days
were a cultural shock. I thought this is not my business, but ladies’ business. … I now
commit to be a champion for MHM. I realize that I have been unfair to ladies in the
past. I commit to include MHM in the workplace in the budget in my county. This is
within my reach, and it must start from me.” Melitus Kabar
Analysis of Participant Feedback:
1. What were the three most important take-aways / insights / learnings from the training?
Common answers included:




Breaking the silence
MHM Lab
Use of tools
Disposal of menstrual waste
2. To what degree are you committed to try to apply what you have learned?
Assessment
Totally
committed
Committed
Not
sure
Not
committed
Not at all
committed
Not
answered
Total
number
54
15
0
0
0
8
3. Please rate the training on the following parameters:
 Very good
 Good
 Average
 Below
average
a) Training content (relevance,
applicability, understandable,
balance of theory & practice)
41
27
1
0
b) Facilitation clear and effective
35
32
2
0
c) Logistics (facility, length, timing,
admin arrangements)
14
40
14
1
d) Overall value to you
52
15
2
0
Some statements on the benefits of the training:
“This is a training that is long overdue to everyone, everywhere, as it has been an eye opener for us to
issues of equity and non-discrimination in our society. From here, we will ensure that MHM is
mainstreamed and implemented in all our programming at country, county and community levels so
as to break the existing silence about this issue.”
Tobias Omufwoko, National Coordinator for WSSCC
“The training has been very useful and it came at the right time when the country is developing its
national policy and strategy on MHM. … The training gave more insight on what is involved in
22
menstrual hygiene management, including breaking the silence and facilitating for differently-abled
persons. Therefore, after the training, the stakeholders on MHM under the Hygiene Promotion
Technical Working Group will be increased to accommodate more differently-abled persons. The
Terms of Reference for the Policy and Strategy being developed will be reviewed to make it all
inclusive.”
Adam Mohammed, Head of WASH Unit, Ministry of Health
“As UNICEF takes the lead in WASH in Schools, the way forward will be to adapt the material to
harmonize the training content for MHM in schools. The next step shall be to advocate at the national
level for champion in MHM with budget allocation. UNICEF shall support the finalization of the MHM
policy, creating a pool of national level MHM ToTs and integration of MHM in other WASH
programmes in the 47 counties in the country.”
Agnes Makanyi, UNICEF
“The training has been of great benefit to me to understand and adopt a holistic approach to MHM.
The greatest breakthrough has been breaking the silence and being able to talk freely about MHM.”
Melitus Kabar from Kisii County
“The training has been relevant and useful to me. It helped me clearly understand MHM in totality and
gave me confidence to hopefully address MHM issues in my county. I am more enlightened and will
ensure no girls drops out of school due to lack of information on MHM in my area of work.”
Abdiwahit Ahmed Jana, Sub-Grantee, Wajir County
“Even though I’ve been doing this, I’ve been doing it in a haphazard way. … I would just give sanitary
towels. The disposal is a real factor. As we give sanitary towels, where is this waste going? That was
an eye-opener for me. … I’m taking this home. I don’t have to insist on the disposables, but I have
some options, which people can choose. … The Governor has to know that this is a priority in the
county. … The Governor is already on it because he made it possible for the county to have a budget
for sanitary towels, but it’s not enough. … So I’m going to press it upon him that the budget has to
include all three elements, meaning breaking the silence, the management is safe, and the disposal.”
H.E. the First Lady Nazi Kivutha from Makueni County
For additional remarks, please see the video clips with statements from the following people:

H.E. the First Lady Nazi Kivutha from Makueni County here

Daniel Kurao, AMREF, GSF Program Manager here

Patricia Mulongo here
23
The Pledge
All the participants adorned their WSSCC bracelet with pride and took the pledge to break the silence
around menstruation
Additional documentation
Annex:
I.
Agenda of the Training
II. List of participants
III. Closing remarks from the Directorate of Public Health
For highlights from Social Media: Storify
For any further information, links to research and exchanges and discussions on various issues please
visit the Yammer Platform here.
For all presentations and research mentioned during the training, please see the FlashDrive handed
out during the closing ceremony.
24
Annexure 1: Workshop Agenda
Training of Trainers on Menstrual Hygiene Management
28 July – 3 August 2016 Sweet Lake Resort, Naivasha, Kenya
July 27
Time
Session
Facilitators
18.00 - 19.00
Registration at Sweet Lake Resort
Neville, Sailas
Time
Session
Facilitators
09.15 – 10.00
Back ground, Introductions & Welcome
Jackson (welcome)
DAY 1: July 28
Irene and Tobias (moving map)
10.00 – 10.40
Film on MHM around the World followed by
discussion on key questions and messages
Beverly, Eva, Virginia and Archana
10.40 – 11.25
Opening Remarks
Jackson (Chair)
Christine Mvurya Mwaka to give remarks
AMREF, WSSCC
Recognizing and crowning the First Ladies as MHM Dr. Kepha Ombacho
Champions
Governor (Guest of Honor)
11.25 – 11.35
Group photo
Neville and Sailas
11.35- 11.50
Tea Break
Hotel
11.50- 12.10
Ground rules – do’s and don’ts. Principles of the
workshop. Appoint rapporteurs
Virginia
12.10 – 12.40
Expectations from the workshop
Beverly
12.40 – 13.15
What words come to your mind when you see
/think /hear the word Gender (Exercise with
Cards)
Virginia, Daniel and Jane
13.15 – 13.20
Formation of Groups
Tobias, Neville, Sailas & Beverly
13.20 – 14.00
LUNCH
Hotel
25
14.00 – 14.20
Presentation: Gender and WASH Part I: (PPT)
Gender
Archana
14-20 – 15.00
Group work
Inga, Christine, Irene, Neville and
Daniel
Exercise on gender roles in WASH in your context
15.00 – 16.00
Groups report back
Archana
16.30 – 16.45
Tea break
Hotel
17.15-18.15
Groups report back
Virginia and Inga
18.15 – 18.30
Wrap up and closing
Virginia, Sailas and Beverly
DAY 2: July 29
08.30- 09.00
Recap
Daniel, Sailas & 3 counties
Key questions and areas of discomfort from Day 1
and questions that people might have, gather
them before session
09.00 – 09.15
FILM – No Relief
Sailas and Virginia
09.15 - 10.30
Gender and WASH (PPT)
Archana
Part II: Equality and non-discrimination
Legal instruments, Human right to water and
sanitation, Social and Gender analysis
10.30 - 11.30
Part III: Addressing inequalities across the human
life course
Archana
11.30 – 12.30
Group work - implementation of the human rights
to water and sanitation
Jane, Tobias, Inga, Daniel, Virginia
with tea
Inequality, Discrimination and Stigma
12.30 – 13.30
Report back
Archana
13.30 – 14.30
Lunch
Hotel
14.30 – 14.45
FILM – Disabled Children Race
Sailas and Virginia
14.45 – 16.00
First menstrual experience and taboos
Virginia, Beverly and Irene
Tobias & Neville – men’s experience
16.00 – 16.20
Tea
Hotel
16.20 – 17.20
MHM PPT - Presentation on the three pronged
approach
Archana, Neville, Eva
26
17.20 – 18.15
Presentation of the Yammer Platform, practical
session
Sailas, Neville and Beverly
18.15 – 18.20
Home work: Research on menstruation in your
county – any policies, research etc.
Jane, Sailas and Christine
9.00 – 09.20
Recap
Inga with the counties
09.20 – 11.20
Modules in Groups LU 1&2
Tobias, Daniel, Irene, Jane, Beverly
DAY 3: July 30
Christine, Virginia
11.20 – 11.35
Tea Break
Hotel
11.35 – 13.00
Case studies, presentation in plenary
Neville, Murethi, Christine
13.00 – 14.00
LUNCH
Hotel
14.00 – 15.00
Feedback & Discussion in Plenary
Virginia and Beverly
15.00 – 15.30
Film
Sailas
15.30 – 15.45
Tea
Hotel
15.45 - 17.45
MHM LAB
Irene, Eva, Virginia
17.45– 18.00
Close for the day
County participants
DAY 4: August 1
08.30 – 09.15
Recap
09.15 – 09.35
Learning Unit 2, Introduction
09.35 – 09.45
Introduction - Groups
09.45 – 11.15
Biology of menstruation + LAB
Groups
11.15 – 11.30
Tea Break
11.30 – 13.00
Group work + LAB
13.00 – 14.00
Lunch
14.00 – 17.30
Learning Units 3, 6, 7 – Group work
27
16.30 – 17.00
Tea
17.30– 17.45
Homework
DAY 5: August 2
08.30 – 09.30
Group presentations (LU 3 and 7)
09.30 – 10.00
Plenary discussion
10.00 – 11.00
Facilitation skills
11.00 – 11.15
Tea Break
11.15 – 13.00
Planning (Advocacy, information, capacity
building, implementation and support needed)
11.30 – 13.00
Group work + LAB
13.00 – 13.45
Lunch
13.45 – 15.00
Planning feedback + typing of plans
15.00 – 15.15
Tea
15.15 - 15.30
Preparation of Role play
16.30– 17.00
Yammer
17.00– 17.30
Film: The Red Thread (UNTV)
DAY 6: August 3
08.30 – 08.45
Recap - Storify
08.45 – 09.00
Quick review of hopes and fears
09.00 – 10.30
Quiz
10.30 – 11.05
Certification
11.05 – 11.45
Moving Evaluation
11.45 – 13.00
Official Closing
13.00 – 14.00
Lunch and departure
28
Annexure 2: Workshop Participants
Name
Ge
nde
r
Designation
Country
Organisation
Email
1
Vincent M.
Ouma
M
Programme
Officer
Kenya
AMREF
[email protected]
2
Redempta
Muendo
F
County Public
Health Officer
Kenya
MoH
3
Emmanuel
Mwango
M
Project Officer
Kenya
KWAHO
[email protected]
om
4
Shaban
Mwatenga
M
SCPHO Kinango
Kenya
MoH
[email protected]
5
Nuro Kato
Abdikadir
M
County Public
Health Officer
Kenya
MoH
[email protected]
6
Abdiwahit
Ahmed Jama
M
Programme
Officer
Kenya
WASDA
[email protected]
7
Mohamed
Abdille
M
SCPHO Wajir
East
Kenya
MOEST
[email protected]
8
Mohammed
Ahmed
M
Wajir East
Kenya
MoH
ahmedhassanosman01@gmail
.com
9
Daniel Sironka
M
County Public
Health Officer
Kenya
MoH
[email protected]
10
Antony Makori
F
Principal
Education
Officer
Kenya
MOEST
[email protected]
11
Evelyn
Saiyianet
F
Project Officer
Kenya
Community
Health
Partners
[email protected]
12
Dominic
Kinyanjui
F
Field Officer
Kenya
Caritas Ngong
Narok South
[email protected]
13
Miriam Nkirote
F
Sub-county
Public Health
Offficer
Kenya
MoH
[email protected]
14
H.E. Elizabeth
Ongwae
F
CFL/MHM
Champion
Kenya
Kisii County
[email protected]
15
Melitus Kabar
M
County Public
Health Officer
Kenya
MoH
[email protected]
16
Justice Kemei
M
County
Education
Officer
Kenya
MOEST
[email protected]
17
Lillian Marwa
F
Special
Frameworks
Kenya
[email protected]
18
Judy Okech
F
Kenya
[email protected]
29
19
David Omato
M
SCPHO
Kenya
MoH
[email protected]
20
Meshack
Ongera
M
Director, Special
Programs
Kenya
21
Kennedy Otuto
M
Public Health
Officer
Kenya
MoH
[email protected]
22
Juliet Akinyi
F
Chairperson
Kenya
Chuodho
Women Group
[email protected]
23
Ruth Wamboi
F
Kenya
MOEST
[email protected]
24
Gladys Abuta
F
Field Officer
Kenya
CBCC
[email protected]
25
Caroline Vata
F
Sub-county
Public Health
Offficer
Kenya
MoH
[email protected]
26
Evelyne Kipesa
F
WASH
Coordinator
Kenya
MoH
[email protected]
27
Priscilla Mibey
F
Principal Quality
Assuarance &
StabdardsOfficer
Kenya
MOEST
[email protected]
28
Ronald Kosgei
M
Programme
Officer
Kenya
NIAK/AMREF
[email protected]
29
Edna Tonui
F
Sub-county
Public Health
Offficer
Kenya
MoH
[email protected]
30
Lok Joseph
Opurong'
M
SCPHO
Kenya
MoH
[email protected]
31
Winfred
Mulamba
F
Sub-county
Public Health
Offficer
Kenya
MoH
[email protected]
32
Marion Ngure
F
Principal
Education
Officer
Kenya
MOEST
[email protected]
33
Ndege Chebet
F
Sub-grantee
Kenya
34
Phares Njue
M
Sub-county
Public Health
Offficer
Kenya
MoH
[email protected]
35
Jackson
Gichovi Njeru
M
SCPHO Mbeere
North
Kenya
MoH
[email protected]
36
Teresia Nyaga
F
County Quality
Assuarance
Officer
Kenya
MOEST
[email protected]
37
Teresia Kinyua
F
M&E Officer
Kenya
CARITAS Embu
[email protected]
39
Luke Mwenda
M
Kenya
MoH
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
30
40
Shelmith
Watetu
Muraimu
County
Education
Officer
Kenya
MOEST
[email protected]
41
Jonathan Nzeki
M
SCPHO
Kenya
MoH
[email protected]
42
Ibrahim
Basweti
M
Senior Public
Health Officer
Kenya
MoH
[email protected]
43
Adam
Mohammed
M
Head of Unit WASH
Kenya
MoH
[email protected]
44
Janet Mule
F
Kenya
MoH
[email protected]
45
Loyce Tora
F
Senior Admin
Officer
Kenya
MoH
[email protected]
46
Charity Tauta
F
Community
Strategy
Kenya
MoH
[email protected]
47
Victoria Mulili
F
Assistant
Director of
Education(Sanita
ry Towels
Program)
Kenya
MOEST
[email protected]
48
Barnett
Walema
F
PEO
Kenya
MOEST
[email protected]
49
H.E. Nazi
Kivutha
F
CFL/MHM
Champion
Kenya
County
Government
of Makueni
[email protected]
50
Mbaga Dhahia
F
Trainer
Facilitator
Tanzania
Environmental
Health Care
Organization
[email protected]
51
Winfrida Sanga
F
SWASH/MHM
Officer
Tanzania
ACRA
[email protected]
52
Kuiwite
Theresia
F
National SWASH
Coordinator/Nat
SWASH Trainer
Tanzania
Ministry of
Education and
Science
[email protected]
53
Clare Haule
F
Program
Manager WASH
Tanzania
Water Aid
[email protected]
54
Beatrice Eyong
F
UN
Niger
UN Women
Niger
[email protected]
g
55
Charity
Tsongorera
F
Consultant
South
Africa
MHM
Advocate
[email protected]
56
Charles
Komolle
Kenya
World Vision
[email protected]
57
Beatrice Muta
F
Kenya
Saidia Dada
[email protected]
58
Kevin
Chemorei
M
Kenya
Kenya Red
Cross
[email protected]
e
Program Officer
31
59
Regina
Mwatha
F
Program
Manager
Kenya
Umande Trust
[email protected]
60
Faith
Adhiambo
F
Ass. WASH
Manager
Kenya
IsraAid - Kenya
[email protected]
61
Beatrice
Wango
Programs
CoordinatorBusiness
Incubation
Kenya
Population
Services Kenya
[email protected]
62
Rose Kendagor
F
WASH Officer
Kenya
Dig Deep
[email protected]
63
Eva Muia
F
C.E.O.
Kenya
Global
Sanitation
Environment
Project
[email protected]
64
Lolem Lokolile
M
Head of Unit Climate Change,
Healthcare
Waste and other
Wastes Unit
Kenya
MoH
[email protected]
65
Carol Kioi
F
Nurse
Kenya
Private
[email protected]
66
H.E. Lillian
Nganga
F
CFL/MHM
Champion
Kenya
Machakos
County
[email protected]
67
Peninah Gatiki
F
Sign Language
Interpreter
Kenya
DeafAid
[email protected]
68
Patricia
Mulongo
F
Kenya
Kenya
National
Asociation of
the Deaf
[email protected]
69
Hilda Mulandi
F
Ass. Treasurer
Kenya
Society of
Professionals
with Visual
Disabilities
[email protected]
70
Lucy Nkatha
F
VCO/CVO
Kenya
WCC
[email protected]
71
Grace Achieng
F
Coordinator
Kenya
WCC
[email protected]
72
Sebastian
Kathare
M
Program Officer
Kenya
Ridep - Kenya
[email protected]
73
Anouk de Vries
F
Intern
Netherla
nds
WASH Alliance
Kenya
[email protected]
74
Agnes Makanyi
F
Kenya
UNICEF
[email protected]
75
Morwhenna
Jose
F
Netherla
nds
WASH Alliance
Kenya
76
Dennis Munai
M
Kenya
WASH Alliance
Kenya
[email protected]
77
Mercy Miriti
F
Kenya
WASH Alliance
Kenya
[email protected]
Intern
Programme
M&E
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Annexure 3: Closing Remarks
Closing remarks of the Menstrual Hygiene Management ToT Training held in Sweet Lake Resort,
Naivasha between 28th July and 3rd August 2016. Delivered by Dr. James Mwitari, Deputy Director,
Public Health in the Ministry of Health, Kenya
It gives me pleasure to participate in the closing of this First MHM TOT training. This subject has been
taboo not only in Kenya but also in many of the developing countries. This regional training couldn’t
have come at a better time, as we figure out how to achieve SDG 6.2 which underscores the needs of
women and girls especially those in vulnerable situations. To achieve this ambitious target before the
year 2030, we seek a holistic approach in sanitation and hygiene and therefore MHM will be
integrated in existing WASH interventions.
I take this earliest opportunity to thank the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council,
UNICEF, AMREF Health Africa, WASH Alliance Kenya and indeed all the partners represented here for
organizing the regional training to be hosted here in Kenya.
I would also like to thank the eleven County first ladies that have participated very actively in this
workshop one way or the other. First Lady Makueni County and First Lady Kwale County, thank you
for being our MHM champions. Thank you for being here for the entire training period. We see this as
an opportunity for the National government to form stronger linkages with the counties through the
highest political office at the county, the office of the governor. Continue working very closely with
the national government as we endeavor to provide technical assistance to the counties, which is our
constitutional mandate.
To all participants, thank you for your patience and ability to learn together with people from
different sectors and countries. I hope that this community of practice, especially on Yammer, will
work together going forward for experience sharing and to tackle some of the challenges that you
may face in the implementation of menstrual hygiene management wok.
As the Ministry of Health, we shall endeavor to undertake the following activities;
1. Conduct high level advocacy with the highest office in the Ministry, the office of the Cabinet
Secretary. We already see a breakthrough in this since our Cabinet secretary has shown great
interest in the open defecation Kenya campaign 2016-2020.
2. Mainstream Menstrual Hygiene Management into existing relevant WASH interventions e.g.
Community health strategy with a view of reaching the household, Community Led Total
Sanitation, WASH in Schools and even the beyond Zero Campaign which targets girls and
women.
3. Meaningful involvement of differently abled people through WASH Polices, strategies and
guidelines. To ensure that this happens we shall now seek participation of PWD in our
different working groups.
4. Support the revision and domestication of MHM TOT training manuals and materials so that
we are able to roll out a MHM training throughout the county.
Let’s all join hands in breaking the silence on menstruation, let us not feel shy, let us take pride and
let us all spread the word outside and inside the home. Thank you very much, asante sana. God Bless
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