PADS AND PANTS INITIATIVE, NYAMIRA COUNTY, KENYA

Dear Friends, Supporters and Cheerleaders,

Perhaps one of the most impactful initiatives is this one, the Pads and Pants Initiative. Thanks to your kind support, we were able to reach 50 young girls in Mwongori sub-location, ages 11–17, with pads and pants during the holidays. We trained them about how to use these sanitary provisions and mentored them on life skills issues that they are confronted with on a daily basis. The training was aimed at empowering these girls to stay in school, learn skills for speaking up about their challenges, and lead dignified lives.

In addition, we provided awareness and educational forums to duty-bearers in the education and health sectors, local leaders, and some key parents about early pregnancies, lack of pants and pads, and implications for the girl child. The aim of these adult and leadership forums was to ensure they spread word around the village and advocate for the girl child in order to provide a viable environment and provisions for the girl child, as well as hold the early pregnancy perpetrators accountable.(Report on this adult training will be highlighted in the next report.)

Mentors from the education and health sectors shared with the girls valuable insights and knowledge on various topics, including sexual and reproductive health, life skills, overall discipline and personal development, and how to engage with parents and guardians regarding their basic needs. The mentorship sessions aimed at equipping the girls with the necessary information and resources to make informed choices, lead healthier lives, and overcome their challenges.

The mentorship sessions educated girls about both psychological and biological aspects of menstruation, challenges, and how to address them; provided the girls with supplies but also how to use them correctly, as well as how to challenge their parents and guardians for continued supplies; provided guidance on how to detect sexual predators and how to report both to the parents and social systems and to community health volunteers; and inspired girls to pursue their education goals, make informed choices, lead healthier lives, and overcome cultural challenges facing the girl child.

This was a participatory session where girls revealed how they deal around issues of menstruation “I use pieces of clothing and often ruin my clothes.” Said Moraa, not her real name. “I am grateful for the supplies and information on how to use pads.” She added.

“During my periods I do not come to school” Shared one of the girls. “I am really Happy that you have spoken to our parents and leaders because this is hard topic to tell them,” she said. “A pad and a pant can change a girl’s life.” Said one of the educators.

Many of the girls revealed how they get cheated by motorbike riders commonly known as bodaboda to exchange sex for sanitary towels. “We know of our friends who are no longer here in school after getting pregnant.” Kerubo, not her real name shared.

This was a critical session and the appreciation from the participants was encouraging as well as a motivation to everyone present. The girls, HFAW staff and leadership are grateful to every last one of you who considered these girls. You had many more projects from around the globe who deserved to be supported but you decided to help our girls. We want to continue reaching out to more girls. Your continued support will be much appreciated. Please share with your friends and networks and let them know why you care.

With gratitude,

Sincerely,

Maurine, HFAW communication.