PADS AND PANTS INITIATIVE, NYAMIRA COUNTY, KENYA

Dear Friends, Supporters, and Cheerleaders,

Thanks to your unwavering support, the HFAW team was able to meet with girls from the Nasari and Seregei communities in a special outreach held at Nasari Hall. This initiative was carried out in celebration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a global movement observed annually to raise awareness and promote action against violence directed at women and girls.

During the event, we engaged girls from both the Luo and Gusii communities—representing both cut and uncut groups—with a strong message: violence against women and girls in any form is unacceptable and must end. Through open dialogue, we discussed the importance of saying no to harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), rape, sexual harassment, and early sexual engagement, especially during the long holiday season when many girls are most at risk.

Recognizing that girls’ dignity and health go hand in hand, we also addressed menstrual hygiene management (MHM)—a key yet often neglected issue affecting girls’ confidence, school attendance, and self-worth. Many girls lack access to basic menstrual supplies, and this can expose them to shame, infections, or even exploitation.

To motivate and support the girls, HFAW donated sanitary pads, pants, and soap—simple yet impactful items that promote personal hygiene, menstrual dignity, and boost self-esteem. Many girls expressed their appreciation, sharing how these gifts made them feel seen and valued. For some, it was their first time receiving such supplies from an organization that also listened to their stories.

The discussions revealed the urgent need to demystify FGM and its long-term effects on girls’ health and well-being. As one girl, Judy, not her real name, reflected, “Even up to now I don’t and I can’t tell why I was cut.” Another participant, Brenda, not her real name, said, “We are just taught in church not to be cut, but they don’t tell us the reason behind it. I’m happy because today, you explained its effects. Thank you, HFAW, and please come back again.”

Our goal for this outreach was also to bridge understanding between communities—encouraging the uncut girls to share the benefits of staying uncut and motivating others to abandon the harmful practice. Selinai, not her real name, shared her joy in being part of the campaign, noting how it has helped other girls realize the value of remaining uncut and embracing their bodies without shame.

The area chief, who represents both communities, commended the initiative. He emphasized the importance of community unity in ending FGM and expressed his willingness to collaborate with HFAW, noting that the government itself is against the practice. He acknowledged HFAW’s presence and efforts on the ground, expressing his appreciation and optimism for a future free from FGM.

Your support continues to fuel our work and amplify our impact. Together, we are challenging harmful norms and giving girls the power to shape their own futures with dignity, confidence, and good health—because menstruation should never be a source of shame, and every girl deserves safety and support every day of the month.

With heartfelt thanks,
Sincerely,
Doris,

Program Director, HFAW