Promoting Health & Equality Issues in Kenya

Since our crowdfunding campaign concluded last January, we have utilized your generous donations to support refugees and local girls in the Kakuma and Kalobeyei districts of Turkana County, Kenya, ensuring their safety and well-being during their menstrual periods.

Firstly, we assisted in constructing a studio for a group of seamstresses dedicated to producing cloth sanitary napkins. Previously, these groups had to rely on rented spaces, but now they have their own dedicated workspace, complete with furniture. Construction is finished, and we are currently awaiting the delivery of workbenches, chairs, and other necessary equipment. Once the setup is complete, sewing machines and other tools will be brought in, initiating production. Samar, one of the members, expressed, "Previously, we operated in the training center of another support group, limiting our access to the space and preventing us from setting up our own sewing machines. With our new studio, we can focus on producing cloth sanitary napkins and actively take orders." The group has expanded its production to include cloth diapers as well.

In the local community, many girls find it challenging to discuss their menstrual problems with parents, teachers, or friends, leading to difficulties during their first menstrual period. This isolation can result in missed school days, and the lack of awareness among boys and adults exacerbates the challenges these girls face. To address this, a festival was organized in November 2022, attended by approximately 350 girls, 250 boys, and numerous parents and community members from five elementary schools in the Kakuma refugee camp and surrounding areas. The festival aimed to normalize menstruation, encouraging open communication and support from trusted adults. The event featured dances, songs, and skits conveying messages about understanding one's body and taking care of it for the future.

Mike, a dance instructor who collaborated with the children and their teachers to choreograph and teach the dances, remarked on the significance of the activity: "In Kakuma, girls have limited opportunities for activities outside of school and self-expression. This festival provided a platform for all girls, regardless of their backgrounds, to confidently participate in expressive activities, share their problems, and discuss their dreams for the future. The confidence gained through these activities is crucial for these girls to overcome daily challenges."

Other events, such as those held on World Menstrual Hygiene Day, were also organized using your donations. Additionally, a survey was conducted to assess girls' knowledge, practices, and issues related to menstruation, with the results informing the planning and implementation of future support.

Initially, our efforts focused on producing cloth sanitary napkins and raising awareness in specific areas.