Give Pads for Progress: Sanitary Pads for Schoolgirls in Kenya

For $25 a month, you can impact 15 girls!

Your donation to this campaign empowers us to purchase and distribute sanitary pads, provide new underwear, conduct educational workshops on menstrual health, and keep girls in school. Together, let’s break barriers, tackle period poverty, and create a brighter future for girls in need!

Will You Change Amina’s Story?

In the rural heartlands of Kenya, Amina awakens to a bittersweet reality. Today, she has been visited by a special guest: her monthly period.

Amina must navigate through the trials of menstruation with limited options in a world where resources are scarce. Without access to menstrual pads; torn cloth, old rags, and even dried leaves become her makeshift shields. The lack of proper protection exposes her to constant worries of leaks. She is forced to make the difficult decision of staying home from school to avoid embarrassment, bullying, and cultural stigma. Amina dreams of her future, knowing she is falling behind again in school. Out of desperation, she accepts the sexual advances of a man who promises to buy her sanitary towels in exchange… 

Amina’s story is not unique – Period poverty continues to cast a shadow on the lives of school girls in Kenya, impeding their education, dignity, and overall well-being. Despite progress made, the most recent statistics highlight the persistent challenges faced by these young girls. According to studies conducted over the past few years, approximately 65% of women and girls in Kenya cannot afford sanitary pads, forcing them to resort to unhygienic alternatives. (World Bank, 2018)

On average, one million Kenyan girls miss school each month due to lack of sanitary pads, while some share used ones.
Nearly one in ten girls in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, miss school during their periods. (UNESCO)

Together, we can address the challenges in:

Play Video

TESTIMONIAL – Rekindling a Mother’s Hope!

ImpactHope has partnered with KEDHAP, which has already distributed a year’s supply of pads and underwear to 5,000 girls among their 53 partner schools in Kenya. KEDHAP endeavours to tackle harmful gender norms that continue to threaten the health and rights of adolescent girls. Cindy is a single mother of three who cares for her epileptic sister as well. Her daughter Ruth is a 15-year-old girl supported by KEDHAP’s female empowerment program. Cindy says:

Your support of my daughter has saved me because I was unaware when she began having her monthly period! Imagine my surprise when she asked me for sanitary towels when schools were closed, and she did not have access to sanitary pads.

When I asked her why she did not inform me about the start of her menses, she said she didn’t feel the need to because KEDHAP staff had taught her how to use pads and provided them with sanitary towels in school.

I was relieved to hear this because when she had reached puberty, I was apprehensive about how I would start educating her about sexuality. Whenever I am away from home, she can care for Charity, my 22-year-old epileptic sister, when she is having her periods since my sister is physically and mentally challenged and cannot even put on a pad without assistance. She does all this with the knowledge she gained from KEDHAP.”

As a mother, Cindy is reassured that her daughter receives care and guidance thanks to organizations like KEDHAP.

Got a Dollar and Change? You Can Help!

A packet of pads costs approximately $1.50 in Kenya. Your support can help us purchase and distribute sanitary pads and new underwear, organize educational workshops on menstrual health, and help keep girls in school.  Together, we can break the barriers of period poverty, ensuring these girls can pursue their education unhindered. Your contribution will make a lasting impact, inspiring confidence, dignity, and a brighter future.

By donating monthly, you provide us with a steady and reliable source of funding that allows us to plan ahead, respond to emergencies, and make a sustained difference in the lives of those we serve. Your ongoing commitment is invaluable and greatly appreciated. Support us monthly or give a gift amount here

Abby wants to be a doctor when she grows up. Sanitary pads are the first step to help her achieve those dreams!

We impacted 5000 girls last year! Will you help us double this impact?

Give Pads for Progress
Give a schoolgirl the gift of HOPE.
I want to be a champion of change!

Resources:

 

Socials: