Kakuma Refugee Camp Holistic Support

Menstrual Hygiene Day, marked globally on May 28th, is a powerful movement dedicated to ensuring dignity, access, and awareness for every woman and girl. For IsraAID Kenya, it was an opportunity to stand with the communities we serve to break the silence, challenge stigma, and champion menstrual health as a fundamental human right.

This year, under the global theme "Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld," our team was proud to host a vibrant and impactful event at Silga Grounds, a central meeting point for residents of Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement, and the surrounding host community. It was a truly collaborative effort, made possible by our strong partnership with the Ministry of Health, Resilience Action International, Peace Winds Japan, and, most importantly, incredible refugee-led and community-based organizations who are at the forefront of this vital work.

The day was a dynamic blend of action and dialogue, bringing together community Menstrual Health Management Champions, teenage mothers, adolescents, and local leaders. The event featured:

• The distribution of menstrual hygiene kits to ensure immediate access to essential products.
• Inspiring panel discussions and workshops, creating safe spaces for open conversation and shared learning.
• Keynote speeches from community leaders and health officials, reinforcing a unified commitment to the cause.

Connecting diverse voices from both the refugee and host communities was critical for fostering an environment of mutual support and understanding. Their energy and engagement were testament to a shared desire to ensure menstruation is never a barrier to education, health, or opportunity. This is how we build a healthier, more equitable community - because menstrual health matters.

At IsraAID Kenya, we are committed to prioritizing the well-being of mothers and children as the foundation for building healthy, sustainable communities. By improving maternal health, nutrition, and child development, we can create lasting positive change for future generations. 

A prime example of this effort is the Baby-Friendly Community Initiative (BFCI). The BFCI program trains healthcare workers to support pregnant and breastfeeding women in vulnerable communities and promote healthy growth during the first 1,000 days of life. In February, we trained 16 healthcare workers in breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and maternal nutrition. These healthcare workers will, in turn, train and support Community Health Promoters to form Mother-to-Mother Support Groups and Father-to-Father Support Groups. These support groups empower communities through participatory awareness sessions and peer learning, fostering sustainable health improvements for the whole family.

L, one of IsraAID’s Community Outreach Workers, highlights another aspect of IsraAID Kenya's commitment to holistic maternal support. At IsraAID’s Adolescent-Friendly Spaces, L works with teenage mothers and adolescent attendees through programming that focuses on social-emotional learning, empowerment, and life skills. These safe and nurturing environments allow young women to explore personal growth, build resilience, and gain essential life skills. 

L's role is to empower these young women to take charge of their futures. Many young mothers that L supports have returned to school, while others have started small businesses, providing financial independence for their families. L's work has inspired families and communities to value education and the strength that comes from empowering women. Through stories like this, we see the far-reaching influence of programs prioritizing maternal and child health, proving that communities thrive when women lead.

L describes her journey as both professionally and personally rewarding. "As a woman working with IsraAID, I'm proud to be part of a movement that empowers others," she reflects. "Every success story reminds me why I do this work and motivates me to keep striving for more."