PADS AND PANTS INITIATIVE, NYAMIRA COUNTY, KENYA

In 2025, Hope Foundation for African Women (HFAW) implemented a menstrual dignity support initiative at Kenyerere Primary School in Nyamira County, aimed at promoting girls’ wellbeing and strengthening their participation in education. The intervention targeted school-going girls from vulnerable backgrounds who often face challenges accessing basic menstrual hygiene products, a gap that contributes to absenteeism, anxiety, and reduced academic performance, particularly during examination periods.

Approximately 35 girls benefited from the initiative, each receiving sanitary pads and a set of undergarments to support effective menstrual hygiene management (MHM). The distribution was conducted in collaboration with the school administration and teachers, who helped identify beneficiaries and ensured that the process was organized, respectful, and mindful of the girls’ privacy and dignity. The approach reinforced the message that menstruation is a natural biological process and should not be a source of shame or a barrier to education.

In addition to the distribution, HFAW continues to engage both community men and women on the importance of supporting girls’ education through the consistent provision of menstrual hygiene products. These engagements emphasize that ensuring a steady supply of sanitary towels is not only a health issue but also a critical factor in keeping girls in school and enabling them to participate fully in learning.

Feedback from beneficiaries highlighted the immediate impact of the intervention on their confidence and comfort in school. Many girls shared that the support significantly reduced anxiety related to managing menstruation. One beneficiary explained, “Before, I would stay at home or avoid class because I didn’t feel safe, but now I can sit in class and do my exams without fear.” Another added, “I used to worry about staining my clothes, but having pads and underwear has given me confidence.” Others emphasized the importance of receiving both items, with one noting, “Sometimes you can have pads but no proper underwear to use them, so this support has really helped me.”

Teachers also reported noticeable improvements among the beneficiaries. According to school staff, there were no cases of exam-related absenteeism among the supported girls, unlike in previous terms when some learners missed school due to lack of menstrual supplies. One teacher observed, “The girls were more relaxed and focused during exams compared to before.” Another added, “Menstrual challenges have always affected attendance and performance, but this support has reduced that problem significantly.”

The initiative underscored the strong link between menstrual hygiene management and girls’ educational outcomes. By addressing a critical and often overlooked barrier, the program contributed to improved attendance, concentration, and overall participation in academic activities. It also created a more supportive and inclusive learning environment where girls could engage fully without fear of embarrassment or discomfort.

Despite the positive outcomes, the need for continued support remains evident. Some girls expressed hope that the initiative could be sustained and expanded to reach more learners facing similar challenges. Teachers also recommended integrating menstrual health education into future interventions and exploring sustainable options such as reusable sanitary products to ensure long-term impact.

In conclusion, the menstrual dignity initiative at Kenyerere Primary School demonstrated that simple, practical interventions can have a meaningful impact on girls’ confidence, wellbeing, and academic performance. By equipping girls with essential menstrual hygiene supplies, HFAW continues to advance dignity, equality, and access to education, ensuring that no girl is held back due to a natural biological process.