Invest in Menstrual Health for girls and women

Thank you so much for supporting this project and special thanks if you recently donated during our campaign for Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28th.  Judith Chelangat shares with us an update on celebrations in Kenya for MH Day.   Judy is the Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Coordinator responsible for Schools and Youth with Brighter Communities Worldwide in Kenya.

"On 28^th May, students, teachers, SRHR Ambassadors and invited guests gathered in Londiani Girls senior school to celebrate Global Menstrual Hygiene day. The theme of this year’s menstrual hygiene day was “together for a period friendly world.” The event aimed to promote menstrual health awareness, support girl’s education and create a period friendly world for all students.

The day began with a series of workshops. 17 schools attended the event with an average of 20 students (boys and girls) from each school. The students were engaged in various activities including the workshops, games and making Menstruation Bracelets - a Global Symbol of Menstration. The workshops were about reproductive health, making of reusable sanitary towels using locally available materials, sharing challenges and solutions that girls go through every month. With SRHR Ambassadors explaining the importance of menstrual hygiene, and encouraging the girls to manage with information and awareness, their confidence and dignity grows. They also emphasised the need for boys to support and respect girls during menstruation.

Students from each school spoke about their experiences on behalf of their peers during the event. Adorable from Kimasian junior school stood up and shared how access to menstrual hygiene products was a challenge for her. She loved going to school and dreamed of becoming a teacher. Every month when her menstrual period came, she faced many challenges. As a result, she often used old pieces of cloth/blankets, which were uncomfortable and unhealthy. She was worried about stains on her uniform and was sometimes forced to miss school and this l affected her performance and she felt embarrassed and discouraged.

One day, Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration was hosted in Londiani Girls senior school, during the health talk workshops the girls were taught about menstrual hygiene and demonstrations on how to make reusable sanitary towels using locally available materials. She listened carefully and was excited to learn more skills that could help her and other girls in her school to be self-reliant.

With the knowledge she gained, she made her first reusable sanitary pad. It was comfortable, safe and could be washed and reused. For the first time, she felt confident attending school during her periods. She no longer worried about missing lessons or feeling ashamed. She later shared the knowledge received with other students in her class and they all started making reusable sanitary towels using locally available materials together, making many girls manage their periods with dignity.

She now attends school regularly and continues to excel in her studies. Her story shows how knowledge and empowerment can transform lives. By teaching girls practical skills and providing education about menstrual health we can help ensure that no girl misses her opportunity to learn and succeed.

“Together, we can create a world where every period is managed with dignity”

Thank you for investing in Menstrual Health for girls and women with your donation. This latest report comes to you from Judith Chelangat, Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Coordinator responsible for Schools and Youth. Judith highlights the link between supporting SRHR, empowering girls and women and improving livelihoods.

Across communities where harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) persist, many girls continue to face risks that threaten their health, education, and future opportunities. Change begins when girls are given knowledge, safe spaces, and the confidence to speak—and when families and communities are supported to protect and invest in them.

Through the Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP) and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) programmes, girls are learning that their bodies belong to them and that they have the right to make informed choices about their lives. In 2025, 2,592 girls participated in ARP programmes and 52 ARP courses were run across Kericho county. Through these ARP trainings the girls learned about their rights, understood the dangers of FGM, and practiced self-advocacy. These sessions also strengthened peer support networks, helping girls build confidence together.

Practical skills are a key part of this empowerment. Girls and women learn how to make reusable sanitary kits using locally available materials such as old t-shirts, improving menstrual hygiene and ensuring that menstruation does not interrupt school attendance or participation in daily activities like income generation activities for the women.

“As a woman and a mother, lack of sanitary products has been a major challenge. The menstrual health training showed me that I can make my own sanitary pads using locally available materials. Managing menstruation will be easier because sanitary pads will always be available, allowing women and girls to go through their periods with dignity.”  says Evaline, a community member from Kipyemit in Kipkelion East Sub-County.

This work is reinforced by economic empowerment at the household level. Women and community groups are supported with income-generating resources, including start-up materials, technical mentorship, and access to savings opportunities. Strengthening household livelihoods helps reduce economic pressures that can increase girls’ vulnerability and supports families to make safer, healthier choices for their daughters.

 Asante sana!