The school outreach focuses on menstrual hygiene, sanitary products and counselling support for Kenyan schoolgirls.
A week-long outreach is providing sanitary products, menstrual hygiene education and counselling to schoolgirls, with Civility Voice Diplomat coordinating the programme.
A US-based delegation of leaders and humanitarian advocates is visiting Kenyan schools to tackle period poverty.
The week-long programme combines sanitary product donations, menstrual hygiene education and counselling.
Civility Voice Diplomat (CvD) is coordinating the outreach across selected schools.
The initiative has already reached hundreds of schoolgirls with sanitary pads and menstrual cups.
Organisers are also providing mental health support during the school visits.
They aim to address both the practical and emotional challenges linked to menstruation.
The delegation spoke about the programme during a visit to schools in Kisii.
Members said they want to protect girls’ dignity while supporting their education.
Programme Targets Period Poverty
Leadership strategist Dr Leslie Latimore-Lorfils said period poverty involves more than access to sanitary products.
The former senior military officer said menstruation can affect confidence, dignity and educational opportunities.
She said the initiative focuses on listening to girls and understanding their experiences.
The programme also provides counselling sessions for participating students.
Those sessions address shame, confidence and academic and social pressures.
Latimore-Lorfils said the initiative seeks to help girls pursue their ambitions regardless of their backgrounds.
She added that girls need practical support alongside emotional encouragement.
Keeping Girls in School
Humanitarian diplomat Dominic Obadiah founded CvD and is leading the Kenyan outreach.
He said the organisation wants to address menstrual challenges that can cause girls to miss school.
The delegation has visited schools in rural and peri-urban communities.
Obadiah said some girls continue facing shortages of menstrual products.
Stigma and misinformation about menstruation also remain challenges, according to organisers.
The programme therefore combines donations with menstrual hygiene education.
It also seeks to challenge myths surrounding menstruation through discussions with students.
Menstrual Cups Introduced to Students
The delegation is also introducing menstrual cups as a reusable alternative to disposable products.
Organisers say the cups can last several years when properly cleaned and maintained.
The reusable option could help girls manage their menstrual needs over a longer period.
However, organisers are combining the cups with education on their correct use and maintenance.
The approach seeks to provide practical options while promoting menstrual health awareness.
Advocates Call for More Support
Shandra Johnson, an advocate for mothers and girls, said schoolgirls need support during menstruation.
She said girls should feel valued while continuing to prioritise their education.
Meanwhile, Craig Bruce of Evolve Advisory Group backed the humanitarian programme.
He encouraged more partners to support initiatives focused on girls’ education.
Bruce said investing in girls can also create wider benefits for communities.
The delegation will continue visiting schools across Kenya during the week.
Menstrual hygiene education, counselling and efforts to reduce stigma will remain central to the programme.
