Seminar - Advancing Standards for Menstrual Products: A Global Perspective
Welcome to a face-to-face seminar May 16th in Nairobi. Representatives from the ISO committee for Menstrual Products will hold the opening remark, followed by experts who will discuss menstrual health policies, regional standards, research, sustainability, and innovations. The event includes presentations, exhibits, and a panel discussion on international standards for menstrual products and low-resource settings.
PROGRAM
08:30 – 09.00 | Registration and Networking
09:00 – 09:15 | “Advancing Standards for Menstrual Products: A Global Perspective” - Representative from ISO/TC 338 Menstrual Products secretariat
09:15 – 09:35 | “Menstrual Health Policies in Africa: Perspectives from the Ministry of Health” - Ministry of Health Official (Kenya)-Dr. Simon Kigondu. Obstetrician Gynaecologist, KEBS/TC 069, Medical and Hygienic Textiles Products, Chairperson
09:35 – 10:00 | “Harmonizing Regional Standards for Menstrual Products in East Africa” - EAC Representative-Levi Kanene, TC sectretary, EASC/TC 061, Textiles, Textile products and Accessories
10:00-10:30 | “Research on Menstrual Health and Hygiene in Kenya” - Local Academic Institution Representative, Prof. Josphat Igadwa Mwasiagi, Associate professor of Textile Engineering, Moi University “Research and local contribution to Menstrual health - Research Institution: Ann Mburu, Research scientist, Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute.
10:30-10:45 | Tea/Coffee Break and Exhibits - Exhibitions by local manufacturers
10:45-11:20 | “Environmental Sustainability in Menstrual Product Waste Management” - Input from Indian and Nepal experiences
“Innovations in Menstrual Product Manufacturing” - Kenya Private Sector Representative: Madhvi Dalal, Founder and CEO Padmad
11:20 – 12.00 | “Recent international research and results on toxicity and quality of Menstrual products” - Columbia University
“Challenges in developing standards and cost-efficient test methods in low-income countries” - ISO/TC 338 LMIC group leader/representative. Experience and input from other member. Panel discussions
12:00-12:10 | Short break and rearrange for panel discussion
12:10-12:50 | Panel - How can the need and experiences from low-resource settings be considered in international standards? How can standard drive innovation and sustainability?
