Ending Period Poverty in Kenya: How Reusable Sanitary Pads Keep Girls in School in Urenga
An educated girl is a powerful force for change. Yet, in many parts of rural Kenya, including Urenga, girls face a unique set of barriers that hinder their academic progress and potential. At Bridge CBO, we implement a strategic, multi-faceted approach to dismantle these barriers, ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to stay in school, excel, and lead.
Confronting Period Poverty with Sustainable Solutions A natural biological process should not be a barrier to education. We directly address period poverty—a leading cause of school absenteeism—through our innovative reusable sanitary pad program. By training youth in tailoring to manufacture these pads, we provide a sustainable, affordable, and dignified solution that keeps girls in class every day of the month.
Integrated Health Education and Youth-Friendly Services Knowledge is power. We go beyond distribution by conducting essential health awareness campaigns in schools and the community, demystifying reproductive health and breaking down harmful stigmas. We link girls to youth-friendly health services, ensuring they have access to the information and care they need to make safe, informed decisions about their bodies and futures.
Academic Support and Mentorship Programs Girls thrive when they are supported. Our after-school tutoring programs provide a safe environment for girls to strengthen their academic skills, while our mentorship initiatives connect them with positive role models who offer guidance, encouragement, and a vision of what they can achieve.
Building Confidence through Leadership and Safe Spaces Empowerment extends beyond the classroom. We establish dedicated safe spaces and support groups where girls can speak openly about their challenges, build confidence, and develop critical leadership skills. These forums foster resilience and a strong sense of agency, empowering them to advocate for themselves and their rights.
A Holistic Foundation for Long-Term Success Our approach is intentionally holistic. By simultaneously addressing health, education, and social protection, we create a solid foundation upon which girls can build successful, self-determined lives. An educated girl is less likely to enter into early marriage or pregnancy, more likely to earn a higher income, and more likely to invest back into her family and community.
Why This Model Works Our model is effective because it is community-driven, sustainable, and empowers girls at every level. We don’t just see students; we see future entrepreneurs, health workers, teachers, and community leaders.
Contact Us to learn more about our girls’ empowerment programs and explore partnership opportunities. Together, we can unlock the immense potential of every girl in Urenga and Siaya County.