Pad Her Dignity, End period poverty
Challenges Faced
Period poverty is a pervasive issue affecting millions of women and girls worldwide, and Kilifi, Kenya, is no exception. In Kilifi’s rural and underserved communities, many girls face significant barriers to accessing basic menstrual hygiene products. The combination of poverty, cultural stigmas around menstruation, and limited access to sanitary products makes managing periods a challenge that affects their physical health, emotional well-being, and educational opportunities.
Girls in Kilifi, especially those in rural areas, often resort to unhygienic alternatives such as rags or old clothes to manage their periods. These unsafe methods put them at risk of infections and other health complications. In cases where washing and reusing these materials is not feasible, girls miss school during their periods, negatively impacting their education. This absenteeism contributes to a cycle of poverty and limits their future opportunities.
The situation is further complicated by the cultural taboos surrounding menstruation, which make it difficult for girls to talk about their menstrual health needs openly. Additionally, in an attempt to access sanitary pads, some girls are forced into exploitative situations where they may seek help from unscrupulous individuals who demand sexual favors in return for providing menstrual products. This places them at further risk of sexual abuse and unintended pregnancies, as evidenced by recent statistics from similar regions in Kenya.
At EmpowerNet Org, our Pad Her Dignity project aims to combat period poverty in Kilifi through the distribution of sanitary pads to girls in schools and marginalized communities. Additionally, we conduct training on menstrual hygiene and health to equip girls with the knowledge they need to manage their periods safely and confidently. We also conduct surveys to gather data on menstrual health needs and challenges, allowing us to better understand and address the issue. Our volunteers work tirelessly to reach these underserved areas, educating girls about menstrual hygiene and providing them with the necessary tools to manage their periods with dignity.
By raising awareness and ensuring access to menstrual products, we aim to alleviate period poverty and prevent girls from missing out on school. Our ultimate goal is to break the cycle of inequality and empower girls to take control of their futures, free from the burden of period poverty.
Through community engagement, collaboration with local stakeholders, and a focus on education and empowerment, we believe that every girl in Kilifi deserves the right to a healthy and dignified menstrual experience. Pad Her Dignity is just one of the many ways we are committed to creating sustainable change for girls and young women in Kenya.