Bleeding with Dignity: Tackling Menstrual Health Inequity Among Kenyan Girls
By Her Impact Hub
In many parts of Kenya, menstruation is still a source of shame, stigma, and missed opportunity for millions of adolescent girls. Something as natural and essential as a monthly period becomes a barrier to education, dignity, and self-confidence simply because of poverty, misinformation, and cultural taboos.At Her Impact Hub, we believe that menstrual health is a human right, not a privilege.
The Hidden Crisis
For girls in rural and informal settlements, access to basic sanitary products is a daily struggle. Some are forced to use old cloths, leaves, or even ash during their periods. The result?
- Missed school days — up to 4-5 days a month, leading to poor academic performance or even dropout.
- Shame and low self-esteem, especially when leaks occur or they are mocked.
- Health risks like infections due to unsafe or reused materials.
And yet, this crisis is avoidable.
Breaking the Silence: What Needs to Change
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Access to Affordable Sanitary Products
Menstrual products should be accessible to all girls — no matter where they live or how much they earn. We advocate for free or subsidized pads in schools and communities. -
Menstrual Education for All
Education must include boys and men to dismantle stigma and foster empathy. Periods are not “dirty” or “shameful” — they are biology. -
Safe, Private Facilities
Schools must be equipped with water, private toilets, and proper disposal methods. A girl should never have to stay home because there’s no clean toilet at school. -
Policy and Government Support
The Kenyan government has made strides — including the 2017 policy for free sanitary pads in public schools. But implementation must be improved and monitored.
Our Impact: Reaching Girls Where They Are
Through our herflow initiative Her Impact Hub has distributed thousands of reusable pads and menstrual hygiene kits across schools in underserved communities. More importantly, we conduct menstrual health workshops where girls learn about their bodies, their rights, and how to manage their periods safely and with pride.
What We’ve Seen
Girls who once missed school every month are now class leaders. Mothers are learning from their daughters. Boys are becoming allies, not bullies. Periods are no longer whispered about — they’re discussed, respected, and normalized.
“I used to think I was cursed. Now I know I’m powerful.” — Joyce, 15, Muranga County
What You Can Do
- Donate to support dignity kits for a girl in need.
- Host a community conversation about menstrual health.
- Demand that schools and local governments prioritize menstrual hygiene.
Because no girl should be held back by her period.
