Feminine Hygiene Project

Period poverty, defined as “the inadequate access to menstrual hygiene information, products and toilets” is common across much of Sub-Saharan Africa. In the face of stigma, girls often miss classes and can even drop out altogether. The United Nations estimates that one in ten girls in Sub-Saharan Africa will miss school during their period, which can add up to as much as 20% of a school year. When girls use makeshift alternatives, such as paper, old rags, leaves and even dried cow dung, they risk falling ill with reproductive and urinary tract infections, say health experts. If proper care is not taken, these infections will later on lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or infertility. Due to inflation, the cost of pads has more than doubled in some Sub-Saharan African countries. Without money for pads, some girls have sex with older men, perpetuating a cycle of reliance and exploitation, which can lead to unwanted pregnancies and early motherhood.

Kamukamu received a request from the Headteacher of Mugomba Primary School for assistance to provide feminine hygiene products for female students. In September 2023, the Kamukamu Board voted to fund this special project. We purchased 120 packets at $9 dollars each, for a total of approximately $1,080 dollars. Each packet contains 7 washable pads and 2 small travel pockets. Reusable feminine products are more economical, sustainable, and are necessary to preserve the life of a latrine.

Kamukamu has decided to make this Feminine Hygiene Project an on-going, annual project. We’d like to have Feminine Packets available at the start of each school year for every female student who needs them.  We can only do this with your help. You can use the Donate button (top-right corner of this page) and write "Feminine Hygiene Project" in the comment box. Or you may send a check to Kamukamu Learning Foundation 3025 70th Way SW, Tumwater, WA 98512. Your donation will be set aside in a special account for this purpose. Your gift will provide a unique and very important “Back to School Supply” for girls at Mugomba Primary School.