Passaris marks Menstrual Hygiene Day with powerful tribute to women
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has marked World Menstrual Hygiene Day with a heartfelt message that honours women and girls across the country and around the world.
In a statement shared via her X account on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Passaris shared a reflection on menstruation and womanhood. Her message aimed to break the silence and stigma surrounding menstrual health, while also standing in solidarity with women facing reproductive health challenges.
“I am menstruating. I’m on my period. A monthly rhythm. A quiet, powerful reminder of what it means to be a woman of strength, life, and resilience,” she began.
Passaris used the occasion to call for dignity, comfort, and pride for all menstruating individuals.
“On this Menstrual Hygiene Day, we honour every girl and woman. May your journey be met with dignity, comfort, and pride,” she stated.
The lawmaker also called for an end to the shame that often surrounds menstruation, stressing the importance of normalising the conversation.
“Together, we rise to end the stigma around our periods, our menses, our truth,” she added.
Passaris extended her message to include women who are dealing with reproductive health issues, saying their experiences and stories are equally valid and should be acknowledged.
“To our sisters facing reproductive health challenges, we see you, we honour you too. Because every woman’s story matters,” she concluded.
Janet Mbugua
Media personality and menstrual health advocate Janet Mbugua also marked the day with a moving reflection. She shared a behind-the-scenes moment with stylist Brian Babu that turned into a meaningful discussion about menstruation and stigma.
“Happy Menstrual Hygiene Day 🩸 For context, Babu and I chatting isn’t usually this mellow 😅But somewhere between outfit choices and glam, we found ourselves deep in a convo about periods; the stigma, the silence, and why it needs to change. @brianbabu shared how he came to understand menstruation and how society made something so natural feel so shameful. And honestly? That needs to end,” Mbugua stated.
Mbugua, a long-time advocate for menstrual health, emphasised the persistent need for continued efforts in addressing period poverty and stigma. Reflecting on over a decade of activism as the world marked the 11th Menstrual Hygiene Day, she highlighted that the fundamental demands remain unchanged: access to free sanitary products, normalisation of menstruation, and the elimination of shame associated with a natural biological process.
She stressed that this day is not just about participation but about raising voices for dignity and equity.
“11 years into marking Menstrual Hygiene Day, the call to action remains: Pads should be free. Periods should be normal. No one should feel embarrassed for something so human. This #MenstrualHygieneDay, we’re not just showing up… we’re speaking up. For dignity. For access. For a #PeriodFriendlyWorld,” she added.
World Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed annually on May 28 to raise awareness and promote good menstrual health and hygiene for all women and girls.
