Pads Thrown in Protest at Brown’s Cheese over Period Shaming
On Thursday afternoon, demonstrators from the Limuru region of Kiambu County. Took to the streets to protest the alleged mistreatment of female workers at Brown’s Cheese Company. After it came to light that some employees were forced to undress on the company’s premises.
The company has since suspended three managers and issued an apology to employees and all Kenyan women following reports that its employees forced some women to undress to determine if they were menstruating.
They were attempting to apprehend whoever had improperly disposed of a used sanitary towel. Following the news of the incident, angry female protestors wearing “komesha dhuluma za kijinsia” (“stop gender-based discrimination”) t-shirts were seen throwing unused sanitary towels into the company’s property. Additionally, others affixed stained pads to the company’s gates.
Officers from the Tigoni Police Station arrested the company’s Quality Assurance Manager, Human Resource (HR) Manager, and HR Assistant, suspending them.
They will face court charges for indecent exposure, a sexual offense. Mr. Luke Kimathi, Head of Finance and Administration for Brown’s Cheese Limited, stated that the incident was only recently brought to the attention of the company’s management and that investigations had been initiated.
“The company is cooperating fully with law enforcement and will conduct a thorough internal investigation. All involved parties have been suspended pending the outcome of the company’s investigation. This is the only information currently available, and there will be no further comment until this is completed,” he said.
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In a statement, the company’s management expressed regret, stating that they were “deeply shocked and saddened to learn that an incident involving women’s health occurred” on their property.
“As soon as we were made aware of the issue, the individuals involved were suspended. Brown’s is a women-led business that strives to provide a safe working environment for all employees. “This incident does not represent the company’s policies as a whole,” the company stated.
“We are also consulting with experts on women’s health and sensitization to ensure that our policies and training prevent a recurrence of this incident. We have apologized to the affected women and would also like to apologize to the general public.”
Philip Mwania, commander of the Limuru Sub-County, stated that they had received a report of the incident. “This act was extremely immoral and inhumane. Our officers arrested three female managers at the company. Currently, they are in our cell. “Their statements have been taken, and they will be arraigned in court tomorrow,” Mwania said.
“I warn Limuru-based businesses that engage in the same conduct to cease immediately, or the law will take its course,” he added.
Ann Wamuratha, the representative for the women of Kiambu, stated that the behavior of the managers violates the policy on menstrual hygiene.
“We strongly condemn Brown’s Cheese Limited’s treatment of its female employees. We require further action against the manager for this behavior. I will pursue this matter with the appropriate government agencies to ensure justice is served.”
Pads Thrown in Protest at Brown’s Cheese over Period Shaming
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