Menstruation can be a particularly uncomfortable and distressing time of the month even for those of us who have readily access to support, education, and sanitary products. Now imagine having to navigate everyday life on your period without these basic necessities. In a world where women and girls are disproportionately affected by poverty, menstruation presents itself as a significant barrier to well-being and livelihood. It is estimated that ‘over 500 million young women and girls globally struggle daily to manage their menstrual health’ with countries experiencing extreme poverty, hit hardest by this reality.
In Kenya, one of the major issues that arises as a result of period poverty is a lack of school attendance. Given that in Kenya ‘one million girls miss school each month because they cannot afford sanitary pads,’ it is distressingly obvious that period poverty must be treated with urgency to ensure that women and girls in Kenya do not have to put their lives on hold, compromising their education and future as a result of menstruation. This is an issue that concerns intersectional feminism; access to the means to cope with periods each month should not be a privilege, it should be equally accessible to all women and girls globally.
Recognising this correlation between period poverty and the lack of female school attendance in Kenya, founder of the nonprofit organisation ‘Keeping a Girl in School’ (KGS), Ivy Kuira is committed to supporting and empowering Kenyan women and girls. Distributing menstrual hygiene kits to girls in schools across Kenya, and hosting education programs for girls and boys to understand menstruation, KGS is making a significant impact on the livelihood and well-being of girls in Kenya, ensuring that doors of opportunity are not closed in front of them. I had the pleasure of speaking with Ivy, here is everything I learnt:
What is something that you have accomplished as an organisation that you are most proud of?
One of our proudest achievements is the number of girls we have been able to support in continuing their education during their menstrual cycles. We have distributed more than 50,000 of menstrual hygiene kits to girls in schools across Kenya, significantly reducing absenteeism due to lack of access to sanitary products. Additionally, our educational programs have empowered both girls and boys in communities to understand and address menstrual health, which helps reduce stigma. These efforts have created lasting impacts in the communities we serve, allowing girls to stay in school, build confidence, and pursue their education uninterrupted.
Why is period poverty such a prevalent issue in Kenya?
Period poverty remains a prevalent issue in Kenya due to various factors, including poverty, cultural taboos, and a lack of proper menstrual hygiene education. Many families, especially in rural areas, struggle to afford basic sanitary products, and for many girls, the cost of menstruation is simply too high. Additionally, there is a significant lack of access to clean, safe sanitation facilities in schools, which further exacerbates the issue. Traditional beliefs and stigmas surrounding menstruation also prevent open conversations about the issue, which means that girls often go without the help they need.
Can you explain the correlation between period poverty and school attendance? Why can period poverty result in a lack of female attendance at School?
Period poverty has a direct impact on school attendance for girls. When girls cannot access menstrual products or clean facilities to manage their periods, they often miss school due to embarrassment, discomfort, or a fear of being stigmatised. This lack of attendance creates a cycle of missed learning, which affects academic performance and contributes to higher dropout rates, particularly during crucial years. The inability to manage menstruation can also lead to shame and isolation, further discouraging girls from going to school.
Why is debunking menstrual stigmatisation crucial for empowering girls and women?
Debunking menstrual stigmatisation is essential for empowering girls and women because it helps create an open environment where they can freely discuss menstrual health without fear or embarrassment. When menstruation is stigmatised, girls and women are silenced, which affects their confidence, mental health, and educational progress. By breaking down these taboos, we promote gender equality, enhance access to education, and foster a culture of support and understanding. Empowered girls and women are more likely to pursue their goals, contribute to society, and lead their communities toward positive change.
What risks or challenges does your organisation face?
One of the biggest challenges we face is ensuring sustainable funding and resources to meet the growing demand for menstrual products and educational programs. There are logistical challenges in reaching remote areas where the need is greatest, and we constantly need to innovate to ensure that we can supply materials, offer health education, and maintain partnerships. Additionally, overcoming deep-seated cultural stigmas around menstruation requires continuous effort and outreach, which can be difficult in areas where these norms are strongly ingrained.
Do you have any exciting future plans that you would be happy to share?
Yes! We are planning to expand our outreach programs to more rural areas where girls face significant challenges in attending school due to period poverty. We’re also working on scaling up our menstrual health education initiatives, partnering with local schools, community leaders, and government bodies to further normalise conversations about menstruation. Additionally, we aim to collaborate with international organisations such as Lions International, to introduce eco-friendly and sustainable menstrual products in schools, which will reduce environmental waste while continuing to meet the needs of the girls.
What are the various ways that people reading this article can get involved in supporting your campaign?
There are many ways to get involved! Readers can donate to our cause to help fund the distribution of menstrual hygiene kits and support our educational programs. We also encourage people to volunteer their time, skills, or knowledge to assist with outreach and advocacy efforts. For those in Kenya, partnering with local schools and communities to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene can have a significant impact. Sharing our message and spreading awareness on social media is another way to help amplify the cause.
Is there anything else that you would like to share or bring to the reader’s attention?
We would like to remind readers that period poverty is not just a “women’s issue” — it is a societal issue that affects the education and future of entire generations. By supporting initiatives that help girls stay in school, we are investing in stronger, healthier communities and a more equitable future for everyone. Ending period poverty is just one step towards achieving gender equality, and we can all be part of this change.
Find out more about the great work Ivy is doing here: Instagram | LinkedIn
