US delegation backs fight against period poverty in Kenyan schools
The delegation is visiting schools across the country to provide sanitary products, educate girls on menstrual hygiene and offer counselling and mental health support.
Kisii, Kenya – A group of US-based leaders and humanitarian advocates is currently in Kenya on a week-long mission to combat period poverty in schoolgirls and promote menstrual dignity in educational institutions. The delegation is touring schools nationwide to provide sanitary products, educate young women on menstrual hygiene, and provide counseling and mental health assistance.
Dr. Leslie Latimore-Lorfils, a leadership strategist and former military officer, emphasized that period poverty extends beyond a lack of sanitary products, impacting girls' dignity, self-esteem, and educational opportunities. She stated that the delegation aims to stand beside these young women, listen to their concerns, and offer sustainable solutions.
Shandra Johnson, an advocate for mothers and girls, highlighted the initiative's goal of ensuring that girls feel supported during menstruation. Johnson stressed that these young women should understand that their education is more important than a period.
Craig Bruce, from Evolve Advisory Group, expressed the organization's pride in supporting this humanitarian effort and called for more partners to invest in girls' education. Bruce emphasized that empowering a girl empowers a community.
Dominic Obadiah, a humanitarian diplomat and founder of Civility Voice Diplomat (CvD), detailed the organization's efforts to address challenges that force girls to miss school during their menstrual periods. Obadiah revealed that the delegation has visited schools in both rural and peri-urban areas, where the scarcity of sanitary products and societal stigma surrounding menstruation continue to hinder attendance.
The delegation distributed sanitary pads and menstrual cups to hundreds of schoolgirls, positioning the latter as a reusable, environmentally-friendly alternative to disposable products that can serve for many years with proper care. Obadiah explained that the outreach also entails educating girls about menstrual hygiene while tackling myths and stigma surrounding menstruation.
The programme will continue in additional schools across Kenya throughout the week, under the coordination of Civility Voice Diplomat.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
