Esther Passaris Under Fire for Donating Sanitary Pads Branded with Her Portrait

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris is under fire from Kenyans online after she donated sanitary pads with her portrait printed on them.

Passaris posted photos of the sanitary pads on her Twitter page on Thursday, saying she has donated 900 cartons of the menstrual health products to needy girls in Nairobi County.

“900 cartons of quality menstrual hygiene products dispatched today so that our girls in Nairobi County can experience their menstruation in dignity and free of shame. No one should choose between a sanitary pad or meal,” she wrote.

She further noted that the donation was made by the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) which operates under the Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs in collaboration with the Chinese embassy.

Online users criticized her for putting her photo on the packets given that they were not a personal donation while others said the funds used to print the image would have been used to buy more sanitary pads.

Jane Kyallo tweeted: “Good gesture ma’am… I have to recognize your effort in helping the poor, women and PWDs… But you are way too loud, your picture is not necessary in this case.”

Sital Chandaria said: “Its donated thru yr office not by u….why your pic…yr position is temporary but the donation should not be associated with u but yr office…next time think long term.” 

Korir Kipkurui wrote: “Good job but remember Jack Ma never put his photo or names to donations for covid 19 in kenya its the order of the day to campaign at very opportunity.” 

Moses Isutsa noted: “Yes you’ve done something. We appreciate. My Bible tells me that when giving, give in secret such that one hand shouldn’t know what the other hand has given.”

Raquesl Diana said: “A very good initiative. Your picture was not warranted though. Tenda wema nenda zako.” 

Elijah Wangari stated: “Kitu inatuuma ni eti anatumia dooh yetu, kufanya kazi tulimchagua afanye, na bado anatuonyesha eti ni favour anatufanyia.”

Gkmusyoka tweeted: “The cash she wasted branding the products can purchase another bunch.”

But responding to one of her critics, Passaris tweeted: “Trust me they are happy to have the picture and the message from their leader and mentor. The mere fact that I can stick my picture on a sanitary towel packet helps reduce period shame and stigma. Many will cut it out and keep it.”