PADS AND PANTS INITIATIVE, NYAMIRA COUNTY, KENYA

Dear Friends, Supporters, and Cheerleaders,
Thanks to your generous support, we were able to reach 50 young girls at Mekenene Primary School with sanitary towels on May 28, 2024. In total, we interacted with 266 members—116 girls, 133 boys, 12 female teachers, and 4 male teachers. The initiative was not only about distributing sanitary pads but also about educating the girls on menstrual hygiene management and life skills, which are crucial for their personal development and academic success.

The HFAW team thought it wise to celebrate Menstrual Hygiene Day with these girls by identifying the theme of the day as "Together for a Period Friendly World." The learners were made to understand that menstruation is a natural process that girl pass through. We realized that poor menstrual hygiene lowers girls', self-esteem, and some even seek solutions from unsafe sources. Some girls go as far as looking for dangerous men to support them to get these pads, which leads to early teenage pregnancies.

One of our mentors, Gladys, decided to show the girls how to make their own sanitary towels and how to use and dispose of them properly. She demonstrated how to use the pads and how to dispose of them after use, emphasizing proper hygiene practices.

The boys were also involved in this initiative. Due to a statement made by Bwire, not her real name, "Boys normally laugh at us when we soil our uniforms," we included them in the celebration to make them understand that menstruation is a natural process for girls and that they need to protect and care for them. The boys were urged to defend the girls and report any bullying immediately. This involvement aimed at creating a supportive environment for the girls, free from intimidation.

The school fraternity was happy and requested for our return to continue this impactful work.

The girls were very appreciative of the pads, with many expressing their relief at finally having proper sanitary supplies. "I have never used these pads before, thank you very much for giving us these pads," Dorothy, not her real name shared happily. Clare not her real name, who was often absent from school during her menstrual periods, said, "I am really happy that you have spoken to our parents and leaders because this is a hard topic to tell them."

This was a critical session, and the appreciation from the participants was encouraging as well as motivating for everyone present. The girls, HFAW staff, and leadership are grateful to every last one of you who considered these girls. You had many more projects from around the globe that deserved to be supported, but you decided to help our girls. We want to continue reaching out to more girls. Your continued support will be much appreciated. Please share with your friends and networks and let them know why you care.
With gratitude,

Sincerely,
Doris, Program Director.