In Shiranga Njiru, Kasarani, Nairobi Kenya period poverty remains a significant issue, particularly among adolescent girls and women in low-income community. The problem is multifaceted, stemming from a combination of economic and educational barriers. The scale of the issue is considerable, affecting a substantial portion of the population, both locally and globally.

Within the communities we are working in, which predominantly consist of low-income households and urban-rural areas, access to menstrual hygiene products is limited. Many families struggle to afford sanitary pads due to financial constraints, forcing girls to resort to makeshift alternatives like old rags, leaves, or even pieces of mattress foam. This not only poses health risks but also leads to absenteeism from school during menstruation, perpetuating a cycle of educational disadvantage.

Globally, period poverty affects millions of girls and women, particularly in developing countries like Kenya. According to UNICEF, approximately 1 in 10 girls in Africa miss school during their menstrual cycle, with lack of access to menstrual hygiene products being a primary reason. Additionally, the stigma surrounding menstruation often leads to social isolation and shame, further exacerbating the problem.

Globally, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognize the importance of menstrual hygiene management as a critical aspect of health, gender equality, and education. Target 6.2 aims to achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all, including menstrual hygiene management, by 2030. However, without targeted efforts to address period poverty, this goal may remain elusive for millions of girls and women worldwide.