Cycle with Dignity
In 2021, we started our Cycle with Dignity project in response to the needs of girls who suffer stigma, humiliation and despair every month when they don’t have access to menstrual products due to poverty.
65%
of women in Kenya can’t afford the basic necessities to manage their periods.
Almost
1 million
school-aged girls miss an average of four academic days per month due to period poverty and the menstrual cycle.
of Kenyan school girls have to use alternatives to sanitary pads such as rags, pieces of mattress, blankets and cotton wool.
42%
The lack of access to affordable menstrual products causes girls to miss school to avoid feeling uncomfortable and facing social stigma. This absence disrupts a girl's education leading to poor performance and elevated drop-out rates. Some girls may resort to having sex to pay for items, putting them at risk of getting pregnant or contracting sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV.
Unable to afford menstrual products, girls are also known to use alternatives such as dirty rags and other unsanitary materials, exposing themselves to infections and irritation.
Traditionally, in Kenya, menstruation is not a subject discussed openly by anyone and the lack of education contributes to the stigma and challenges girls face each month. In response to this need we provide education in local schools to girls and boys about menstrual health and hygiene as well as providing girls with packs of reusable sanitary pads.
The pads are made by a local lady, using locally sourced materials. Each pack contains 6 reusable sanitary pads and a wet bag. The girls are also taught how best to wash and maintain the pads, ensuring they last a long time.
Through this provision we aim to reduce the number of girls trading sex for menstrual product, reduce STIs, reduce teenage pregnancy and increase school attendance.
