Empowering Girls and Boys: TERIA Commemorates Menstrual Hygiene Day 2023 in Rarieda

On May 28th, 2023, TERIA proudly commemorated Menstrual Hygiene Day with an impactful and vibrant event held at Rageng’ni Girls High School. Organized under the Rarieda Girl Power Initiative, the event aimed to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene while working to eliminate the stigma often associated with menstruation.

A Day of Education, Empowerment, and Care

The event brought together students, teachers, and community leaders for a day full of meaningful engagement. Both girls and boys actively participated in sessions designed to inform and empower. Throughout the day, students were entertained through interactive activities, educated on important menstrual health topics, and motivated to challenge stigma in their communities.

In addition to learning, attendees received essential supplies including sanitary pads, panties, soaps, and boys’ boxer shorts. Everyone also enjoyed nourishing meals, ensuring that participants were comfortable, energized, and able to fully engage with the day’s activities.

At TERIA, we remain deeply committed to ending period stigma, period shame, and period poverty. We continue to work toward a future where every girl can stay in school, thrive with dignity, and reach her full potential.

School Leadership Commits to Action

A major outcome of the event was the commitment by school leadership to construct period-friendly toilets across participating institutions. These facilities will provide students, particularly girls, with the safe, private, and hygienic spaces they need to manage menstruation confidently while remaining in school.

Gratitude for a United Community

This important event would not have been possible without the support and participation of many individuals and institutions. TERIA extends heartfelt thanks to:

• Kandaria Mixed Secondary School, Nyakongo Girls High School, Achieng Oneko Mixed Secondary School, and Rageng’ni Girls High School for their collaboration and student involvement
• Hon. Lady Salome Ayany-Atandi, NALSA-K representative and spouse of the MP for Alego Usonga Constituency, for gracing the occasion
• Hon. Lady Electina Wasike-Wanyonyi, NALSA-K Chair and spouse of the MP for Westlands Constituency, and her delegation
• Hon. Dr. Otiende Amollo for his generous and ongoing support
• Siaya County leadership, including Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga, Women Representative Dr. Christine Ombaka, CECM Education, Youth and Gender Prof. Edgar Otumba, and CECM Ms. Grace Agola
• ACK Bondo Diocese Mothers Union, led by President Mrs. Jenipher Kodia
• Representatives from the Ministries of Education and Health
• Youth speaker Myra Oloo, Lady Amondi Nyar Adero, and Sir Obenge Philemon
• All our well-wishers, partners, community members, and friends who supported the event in one way or another

Above all, TERIA is grateful to God for the success of this event and the strength to continue driving change. Together, we are building a future where every child can grow, learn, and lead—free from stigma and full of hope.