PADS AND PANTS INITIATIVE, NYAMIRA COUNTY, KENYA

Dear Friends and Supporters,

At the Hope Foundation for African Women (HFAW), we believe that every girl deserves to grow up with dignity, confidence, and the right knowledge to make informed choices. Recently, our team visited Ollolua Primary School, where we spent a powerful day with 55 adolescent girls.

The outreach focused on three key areas: menstrual health, prevention of early pregnancy, and building essential life skills. Too often, girls in rural areas miss school or suffer in silence because they lack information, sanitary products, or the confidence to talk about these challenges. We wanted to change that.

Through open discussions, and interactive lessons, we reminded the girls that menstruation is a normal part of life and there is nothing to be ashamed of. We demonstrated safe hygiene practices, encouraged them to ask for help when needed, and gave them practical tips to manage discomfort during their periods.

We also held a heart-to-heart session on early pregnancy. The girls learned about their right to say “no,” how to recognize inappropriate behaviour, and the importance of staying in school. To strengthen their resilience, we introduced simple but powerful life skills: communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and self-confidence.

To ensure the lessons were not just words but action, each of the 55 girls received a dignity pack containing sanitary pads and underpants. These small items carried a big message: you matter, your health matters, and your future is important.

The responses were touching. One girl shared, “I now feel prepared to manage my periods without fear of missing school.” Another said, “I have learned that I have the right to say no and to focus on my education.”

Teachers and staff at Ollolua Primary welcomed the initiative warmly and committed to supporting their learners beyond the training. Their involvement gives us hope that the change we started will continue to grow within the school.

At HFAW, we remain steadfast in our mission to restore dignity, break harmful taboos, and empower girls to thrive. Thanks to your continued support, we are making sure no girl is left behind.

Together, we are building a brighter future for girls in kenya and beyond.

With gratitude,
Doris Kananu, Program Director.

Dear Friends, Supporters, and Cheerleaders,

Thanks to your unwavering support, the HFAW team was able to meet with girls from the Nasari and Seregei communities in a special outreach held at Nasari Hall. This initiative was carried out in celebration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a global movement observed annually to raise awareness and promote action against violence directed at women and girls.

During the event, we engaged girls from both the Luo and Gusii communities—representing both cut and uncut groups—with a strong message: violence against women and girls in any form is unacceptable and must end. Through open dialogue, we discussed the importance of saying no to harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), rape, sexual harassment, and early sexual engagement, especially during the long holiday season when many girls are most at risk.

Recognizing that girls’ dignity and health go hand in hand, we also addressed menstrual hygiene management (MHM)—a key yet often neglected issue affecting girls’ confidence, school attendance, and self-worth. Many girls lack access to basic menstrual supplies, and this can expose them to shame, infections, or even exploitation.

To motivate and support the girls, HFAW donated sanitary pads, pants, and soap—simple yet impactful items that promote personal hygiene, menstrual dignity, and boost self-esteem. Many girls expressed their appreciation, sharing how these gifts made them feel seen and valued. For some, it was their first time receiving such supplies from an organization that also listened to their stories.

The discussions revealed the urgent need to demystify FGM and its long-term effects on girls’ health and well-being. As one girl, Judy, not her real name, reflected, “Even up to now I don’t and I can’t tell why I was cut.” Another participant, Brenda, not her real name, said, “We are just taught in church not to be cut, but they don’t tell us the reason behind it. I’m happy because today, you explained its effects. Thank you, HFAW, and please come back again.”

Our goal for this outreach was also to bridge understanding between communities—encouraging the uncut girls to share the benefits of staying uncut and motivating others to abandon the harmful practice. Selinai, not her real name, shared her joy in being part of the campaign, noting how it has helped other girls realize the value of remaining uncut and embracing their bodies without shame.

The area chief, who represents both communities, commended the initiative. He emphasized the importance of community unity in ending FGM and expressed his willingness to collaborate with HFAW, noting that the government itself is against the practice. He acknowledged HFAW’s presence and efforts on the ground, expressing his appreciation and optimism for a future free from FGM.

Your support continues to fuel our work and amplify our impact. Together, we are challenging harmful norms and giving girls the power to shape their own futures with dignity, confidence, and good health—because menstruation should never be a source of shame, and every girl deserves safety and support every day of the month.

With heartfelt thanks,
Sincerely,
Doris,

Program Director, HFAW