Investing in Dignity: Why Sustainable Pads Matter for Rural Girls in Kenya

Every month, millions of girls across rural Kenya face the same painful reality: period poverty. Without access to affordable sanitary products, many are forced to miss school, improvise with unsafe materials, or suffer in silence. The consequences are devastating—lost education, shattered confidence, and limited opportunities for a better future. At Undugu Empowerment Programs (UEP), we believe no girl should have to choose between her health and her education. That is why we launched the Sista Plus Sustainable Pads Initiative, a solution that restores dignity, protects the environment, and empowers communities. The Problem We Are Solving • 4 in 10 African schoolgirls miss classes during menstruation due to lack of sanitary pads. • Families in rural Kenya spend a significant portion of income on disposable products, often unaffordable. • Disposable pads contribute to plastic waste, harming our environment for generations. The result? Girls fall behind in school, drop out early, and their dreams are cut short leading to lost opportunities and gender inequality. Our Solution: Sustainable Pads Production We produce high-quality, reusable sanitary pads locally in Busia County. Each pad lasts up to one year, is washable, absorbent, safe, and eco-friendly. This project doesn’t stop at distribution—it creates a cycle of empowerment: • 👩‍🏫 Girls Stay in School – Pads ensure uninterrupted education. • 🌱 Environment is Protected – Reusable pads drastically reduce non-biodegradable waste. • 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Women Earn Incomes – Local women are trained in pad-making, gaining sustainable livelihoods. • 💡 Communities Break Taboos – Menstrual hygiene mentorship reduces stigma and promotes confidence. Impact So Far • 500+ girls in rural schools now have access to sustainable pads. • 20 young women trained in pad production, creating income and skills. • Dozens of schools reached with mentorship sessions on menstrual hygiene. Grace Aoko, a 15-year-old beneficiary, told us: “Before I had pads, I used to miss one week of school every month. Now, I attend every lesson. I want to become a nurse so I can help others like me. I want to be like the founder of this great initiative. She is a nurse who support many girls.” Grace’s story is one of many—and it shows how a simple pad can change the trajectory of a girl’s life. Why Support This Initiative? Your investment is not just in a product—it’s in education, dignity, and equality. By supporting our sustainable pads project, you help: • Keep girls in classrooms. • Reduce environmental waste. • Strengthen rural women’s economic resilience. • Break cycles of poverty and stigma. Our Call to Action We are seeking partners, donors, and champions to help us scale production and expand distribution to reach 5,000 girls over the next two years. 💡 With just $10, you can provide a set of reusable pads to a girl for one year. Together, we can ensure that no girl misses school because of her period. “Be the Change – End Period Poverty Today.” 📧 unduguempowerment@gmail.com | ☎️ +254 796 609 797 | 🌍 Undugu Empowerment Programs