Project Slogan

Dignity Begins with Understanding.

Project Duration

12 months (renewable annually)​

Project Location

Kakuma Refugee Camp & Host Community Areas, Turkana West, Kenya​​

Target Group

• Women and adolescent girls, community leaders, men and boys, caregivers, teachers​

Background & Rationale

Menstruation is a natural biological process, yet for many women and girls in refugee settings, it remains a source of shame, discrimination, and exclusion. In Kakuma and Kalobeyei, deep-rooted cultural beliefs and taboos surrounding menstruation lead to girls missing school, women being isolated, and a general lack of dignity and understanding during menstruation.

 

Limited access to affordable sanitary products further compounds the problem, forcing many girls to use unsafe alternatives that pose health risks and undermine self-esteem. These challenges not only affect physical health but also reinforce gender inequality and social exclusion.​

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Overall Goal

To promote menstrual health, dignity, and gender equality by normalizing menstruation and empowering women and girls with sustainable, reusable pad-making skills.

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Specific Objectives

1. To increase community understanding and acceptance of menstruation through awareness and sensitization.

2. To reduce stigma, discrimination, and exclusion of women and girls during menstruation.

3. To equip women and girls with skills to produce reusable, eco-friendly sanitary pads.

4. To promote economic empowerment and self-reliance through income-generating skills.

5. To encourage environmentally sustainable menstrual health practices.

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Key Activities:

• Community sensitization forums involving men, women, youth, and leaders

• Menstrual health education and dignity sessions

• Prevention and protection training on respectful treatment during menstruation

• Practical training on reusable sanitary pad production

• Formation of women-led pad-making groups

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Expected Outcomes

• Improved community attitudes toward menstruation

• Increased school attendance and participation among girls

• Enhanced dignity, confidence, and inclusion of women and girls

• Sustainable access to menstrual products

• Income opportunities through pad production