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Advocacy
Overview
As we work towards achieving gender equality, let’s recognise the power of economic empowerment for women. When women are given the tools and resources to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential, we can eradicate period poverty and create a better world for all. Together, we can empower women to overcome the limitations society has placed upon them and achieve great things. Let’s work towards a future where every woman has the opportunity to be financially independent and fulfill her dreams.
NATIONAL LEVEL ADVOCACY
At the national level, we have established a Parliamentary Forum on Menstrual Health to champion MHH policy reviews and increase public financing for menstrual health work. We actively engage with government structures, including the Ministry of Education and Sports, contributing to national processes such as organising the International Day of the Girl Child and National Menstrual Hygiene Day. Through these engagements, IIEA works to institutionalise menstrual justice within education, gender, and budgeting frameworks, ensuring that menstruation is recognised not as a private issue, but as a public matter of rights, dignity, and equality.
REGIONAL LEVEL ADVOCACY
At the regional level, IIEA plays a pivotal role in advancing menstrual justice and period equality across East Africa. The organisation organises an annual Regional Pre-MH Day webinar to commemorate International Menstrual Hygiene Day, bringing together diverse stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving menstrual health education and product access. IIEA also co-hosts the Annual Girls’ Agenda Conference, convening a side event on menstrual health and hygiene that highlighted policy priorities and youth-led advocacy efforts. Furthermore, the organisation actively participated in the Regional SRHR Youth Symposium organised by the East African Youth Network, engaging youth representatives in dialogue on menstrual health as a critical component of sexual and reproductive health rights.-
GLOBAL LEVEL ADVOCACY
At the global level, Irise Institute East Africa has consistently represented the voice of African women and girls in menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) advocacy. The organisation participates in the Global Menstrual Collective (GMC), contributing insights from grassroots and regional experiences to shape global strategies on menstrual health and justice. Additionally, IIEA takes part in high-level advocacy with WASH United and Days for Girls, engaging in knowledge sharing and discussions on innovative approaches to advance menstrual health and hygiene worldwide. These engagements have strengthened IIEA’s position as a key thought leader in the global menstrual health space.GMC