More than 65% of women of reproductive age in Kenya cannot afford sanitary towels. Characterising the situation as a grave is an understatement. As part of our mission, the Phakama 254 Foundation team decided to do their part to address this situation in Vihiga County.
In August 2024, a mass pad donation was made at Iduku Primary School in Vihiga County. We gathered pad donations from the donors and friends. We had a conversation with the school principal. We had chosen a date. We were ready.
On a sunny Thursday morning, our team representative, pictured above arrived at the appointed time with the gift in tow. We handed the donation over to the principal, who could not help but smile. This small act was going to be life-changing for the girls in the school.
Period poverty is a situation in which females are unable to access the items they need to bide during their menstrual periods. This situation is prevalent in poverty-stricken areas, such as where the school is located.
Period poverty is a leading cause of absenteeism and truancy among school-going girls. Many girls choose to stay at home during their periods to avoid the shame of leakages that is common with the makeshift pads they have access to. There is no question that this consistent absence from school affects girls’ ability to learn and their school performance by extension.
With donations from the friends of Phakama 254 Foundation, we are confident that we can provide a cushion for these girls for up to three months. Hopefully, we can make a difference in their grade this term.
To support this initiative, click the button below to help girls stay at school.
