In Memory Of Njambi Koikai, Make Paid Period Leave A Reality In Kenya: Nguvu Change Leader Sylvia Awinja
Njambi Koikai
By: Sylvia Awinja
As shockwaves around the untimely demise of menstruation warrior and cultural icon Reggae RJ Njambi Koikai continue in Kenya, Nguvu Change Leader Sylvia Awinja backed by the Nguvu Collective has urged the Kenyan government to treat her tragic death as a wake-up call, and urgently introduce paid period leave for Kenyan women.
“Through her tireless advocacy, Njambi Koikai always appealed for timely care to be accorded to women’s menstrual health. Her tragic death is a stark reminder of how menstruation cannot be taken lightly. This is a wake-up call for our country. How long will we continue to ignore the crippling pain women face every month and act as if everything is normal?” Sylvia asks.
Njambi often disclosed how painful her condition was due to Endometriosis, through her videos, revealing that she went through 21 surgeries in order to resolve her health issues.
Similar to Njambi and scores of other women who experience severe menstrual pain, Sylvia too experiences excruciating pain during menstruation that cripples her from showing up at work.
“Even when she was enduring severe pain, Njambi used all her available platforms to raise awareness about menstrual health. It is incredibly pressurising for a working woman to be undergoing pain that numbs her mind and body and yet, perform at her usual pace. Many countries have acknowledged paid period leave as a right for women. But what about the menstrual rights of Kenyan women? Kenya should make Paid Period Leave a reality in Njambi Koikai’s memory,” urges Sylvia.
Sylvia has already filed an online petition urging the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, and the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Labour and Social Protection to enact legislation that will mandate all employers in Kenya to grant women employees who are experiencing painful or uncomfortable menstrual symptoms paid three days off work per month. Her petition has gathered the support of 7500 Kenyan citizens and continues to gather momentum.
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