In Mathare, much like the rest of the developing world, many girls lack access to sanitary products for their menstrual period. According to UNESCO, one in ten girls in Africa will miss school when they have their periods. This only adds to the significant gender disparities in education and employment. Men are more likely to advance through the education system, learn employable skills and gain employment or become self-employed.

At the Light and Hope Initiative, we place a strong emphasis on the importance of education in breaking the poverty cycle. Monthly donations of $38 to our Education Program will keep children in school and fed with two meals a day. But with girls lacking the confidence and the ability to attend school during their menstrual period, the quality of their education reduces.

We are committed to tackling this issue and supporting girls during their menstrual period. We partner with organizations to provide sanitary products to the girls in the local Mathare community. The towels are provided with guidance on how to use them, giving them control, comfort and dignity.

By providing access to sanitary products, we hope to improve their quality of life and help them to continue to attend school regularly in order to achieve better.