Menstrual Health in Kenya
For pastoralist women and girls in northern Kenya, menstruation is often surrounded by silence, shame and
social taboo. A monthly period can restrict a woman’s mobility, freedom and ability to participate in normal
activities, including school.
In many cases, girls are not prepared for their first menstruation and are filled with fear and shame. They
often lack access to menstrual products, and with little support, have no choice but to use unhygienic and often
dangerous materials.
Alongside our local partner, we’re hoping to change this reality for women and girls in Kenya. Today, you can help a girl feel safe and confident every day of the month.
How You Can Help!
Working with a local, church-based partner in Kenya, we’re providing Menstrual Health Management (MHM) training for the next three years. Our partners will hold sessions to talk about the process of menstruation and how to maintain healthcare during this time. These sessions will confront the stigma of menstruation and work towards empowering women and girls. Men and boys will also learn alongside the women in their community for holistic transformation.
To ensure the needs of women continue to be met, 200 women will engage with local leaders to advocate for their needs. They will discuss the importance of having access to affordable menstrual materials to create change for future
generations.
MHM training will also be provided for girls and boys in school, reaching approximately 6,300 students across 20 schools. Girls will be given dignity kits, include menstrual materials they do not have at home, to equip them with the
tools and confidence they need.
Women will be trained to make re-usable pads using locally available materials, given them employable skills and increasing the community’s access to the materials they need during menstruation. By the end of 3 years, 21,000 people in 7 communities will be trained on MHM!
Empowering women and girls leads to transforming families and communities. Help us see lives changed by ensuring women and girls are kept healthy and safe.
