By Alice Njoki
Nairobi, May 28, 2025 — The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) today hosted the closing event of the YouthLed Media and Advocacy Summit, which also marked World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025. The event brought together youth leaders, government officials, partner organizations, and civil society to promote menstrual health and gender equality.
The summit, which began on May 23 at the Nairobi Leadership Academy, convened nearly 400 young changemakers under the theme “Rising Above: Leading in Times of Great Uncertainties.” Participants addressed key socio-economic, political, and environmental challenges, highlighting the leadership and resilience of adolescents and youth advocates.
The closing event aligned with the global theme for Menstrual Hygiene Day, “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld – The Role of Girls in Making Menstruation a Normal Part of Life by 2030.” Discussions focused on breaking menstrual taboos, normalizing periods, and empowering girls to lead change.
“We want menstruation to be accepted as a natural part of life. Today is about celebrating progress and recommitting to the work ahead,” said one of the event organizers.
Panels and side events showcased youth-led work on media, leadership, technology, and advocacy. Mtoto News led creative storytelling sessions, Amplify Girls focused on girls’ agency, and tech groups such as Hack Club and GOMYCODE highlighted how coding and innovation support youth empowerment. Other sessions tackled topics including climate change, mental health, entrepreneurship, and gender-based violence.
Francisca, a child advocate urged for greater youth involvement in menstrual health discussions. “We want to be part of the dialogue, not just subjects of it,” she said, calling for regular youth-centered events.
A panel discussion featuring representatives from UNFPA, Girl Up, and youth advocates emphasized the importance of youth leadership in achieving menstrual equity by 2030.
The day also featured the Youth Leadership Awards, recognizing young women making a difference in their communities. Award categories included Girl Hero of the Year, STEM Innovator, Environmental Champion, Gender Equality Advocate, and others.
In closing, Anne Marie Muthoni encouraged participants to sustain their efforts and strengthen collaboration in youth advocacy, gender equality, and menstrual health.
The event reaffirmed the critical role of youth in shaping a more inclusive and equitable society, with menstruation recognized as a key part of health and human rights.