Slum Girls: End Period Poverty in Nairobi slums!

At Alice for Children, we are excited to announce a new initiative aimed at tackling period poverty while promoting environmental sustainability in the Nairobi slums. In partnership with an Italian manufacturer, we have launched a pilot phase to introduce menstrual underwear to girls and young women in these communities.

Period poverty in informal settlements like Nairobi’s slums impacts the health and dignity of young girls but sanitary pads contribute to a growing waste. With limited waste management systems, these products accumulate in the environment, posing health hazards and worsening living conditions.

Our project seeks to address these challenges through the introduction of menstrual underwear—a reusable and eco-friendly alternative designed to offer comfort, convenience, and dignity. This product provides a sustainable solution, reducing the need for single-use items and minimizing waste, while offering a reliable, discreet option for managing menstruation.

The pilot phase includes distributing these menstrual underwear kits to a select group of girls and young women, alongside workshops on menstrual hygiene management and environmental awareness. We aim to evaluate the impact of these products in terms of usability, comfort, and environmental benefits, with the goal of scaling up distribution if the results are positive.

With this initiative, Alice for Children is not just providing a practical solution to period poverty; we are also equipping young women with tools for sustainable living. By integrating menstrual health with environmental consciousness, we hope to create a model that empowers these communities to build a healthier and greener future.

We are grateful for the support of our partners and donors, who make it possible to bring these innovative solutions to the girls of Nairobi. Together, we are taking a significant step towards ending period poverty while protecting the environment.