For many girls in Nairobi’s slums, managing their periods is a source of stress and embarrassment. The Bidii Girls Programme’s sanitary pad distribution in Kibera, Mathare, and Majengo is helping restore dignity and ensuring girls can manage their menstrual health with confidence.
Living in Nairobi’s informal settlements presents numerous challenges, especially for girls navigating adolescence. In places like Kibera, Mathare, and Majengo, the lack of access to basic necessities such as sanitary pads makes what should be a natural process a source of stress and shame. Period poverty is not just about the inability to afford menstrual products; it’s about the emotional toll it takes on young girls, who often feel embarrassed or excluded due to their circumstances. The Bidii Girls Programme stepped in to address this issue head-on through a targeted sanitary pad distribution drive.
Our team visited these communities to ensure that every girl received sanitary pads that would last several menstrual cycles. We understood that consistent access is key, so our distribution was designed to provide long-term relief rather than just a one-time handout. For many of these girls, this was the first time they received proper menstrual products that they could rely on each month. The impact was immediate—girls expressed a renewed sense of dignity and relief, knowing they could attend school and engage in everyday activities without worry.
But our work didn’t stop at distribution. We took the opportunity to educate the girls about menstrual health and debunk myths surrounding menstruation that often perpetuate stigma and discrimination. In these interactive sessions, we encouraged open dialogue, allowing the girls to voice their concerns and gain accurate information about their bodies. This education is crucial in helping girls view menstruation as a normal and healthy part of life rather than something to be hidden.
The positive feedback we received from the girls, their families, and community leaders was overwhelming. Restoring dignity is at the heart of our mission, and through this initiative, we witnessed how a simple act of providing sanitary pads can transform a girl’s outlook and aspirations. In Kibera, Mathare, and Majengo, we are building a foundation where girls can thrive, free from the constraints of period poverty.
