Tackling Period Poverty Among Girls in Rural Kenya
By Maureen Shileche | March 28, 2025
In many parts of the world, including rural Kenya, menstruation remains a significant barrier to girls’ education. The lack of access to adequate menstrual hygiene products often forces girls to stay home during their periods, missing crucial school days and falling behind in their studies. The situation is even more dire in impoverished communities where access to affordable sanitary products is limited, and alternative solutions can be both unsanitary and uncomfortable.
The Impact of Period Poverty on Education
Period poverty is a global issue that disproportionately affects girls in low-income communities. UNESCO estimates that one in every ten girls in Sub Saharan Africa misses school during their periods due to lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, totaling 20% of the school year. These absences can add up, leading to gaps in learning, diminished academic performance, and even school dropout in extreme cases, significantly affecting their future prospects. In Kenya, 65% of women and girls cannot afford basic menstrual products, forcing them to find unsafe or unhygienic alternatives.
This issue is particularly pressing in rural areas, where poverty and lack of infrastructure often mean that girls don’t have access to basic sanitary products like pads or tampons. Many girls resort to using pieces of old clothes, mattresses, or other unsanitary alternatives that not only pose health risks but also lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment. The stigma surrounding menstruation in many cultures further compounds these challenges, often leaving girls isolated during their periods.
A Sustainable Solution to the Problem
The Organization of Local Communities Against Poverty (OLCAP) has taken steps to address this issue by donating reusable pads and underwear to girls in rural Kenya. In March 2025, 150 girls at Imusali Primary School in Isulu Location, Kakamega County, benefited from reusable pads provided by OLCAP. This donation provides a sustainable solution to the challenges these girls face during their menstrual cycles, enabling them to attend school without the fear of missing out due to a lack of feminine hygiene products.
The donation of reusable pads and underwear by OLCAP is more than just a temporary fix—it’s a sustainable solution that promotes both dignity and health. Reusable pads offer a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative to disposable sanitary products, and they can last for years with proper care. This not only helps address the immediate issue of menstrual hygiene but also empowers girls to manage their periods confidently, ensuring they don’t miss out on valuable learning opportunities.
One of the girls, Mary, shared her story with us: “Before I got the pads, I used to stay home for days when I was on my period because I didn’t have anything to use. I felt embarrassed and worried that I would fall behind in class. But now, I can go to school every day, learn, and even play with my friends. I feel confident and ready for the future.”
Mary’s story is a powerful reminder of the difference that access to menstrual hygiene products can make in a girl’s life. By providing these essential resources, we are not only supporting their education but also promoting their health and well-being.
A Bright Future Ahead for Girls
At OLCAP, we believe that every girl deserves the chance to learn and succeed, no matter her circumstances. The donation of reusable pads to the girls at Imusali Primary School is just one example of how we are working to break down the barriers that prevent girls from reaching their full potential. With the continued support of our partners, we can help ensure that more girls in rural Kenya have the tools they need to thrive.
Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of girls like Mary. Your support helps us continue this important work, providing girls with the resources they need to stay in school and build a brighter, more equitable future.
