Executive Summary
The eruption of the Corona Virus Disease towards the end of 2019 (COVID-19) in WUHAN CHINA and its spread globally which we are now experiencing its 3rd Wave and Variant in 2021 which is more lethal has disorganized lives, destabilized economic setups and disrupted income flows for many families. Contextually, in Kenya – where more than half of the population is either unemployed or underemployed – this disruption has had an astronomical impact of the menstrual health HYGIENE to women in the informal settlements and to school going girls of menstruation age.
Most of the school going girls of menstruation age rely heavily on Sanitary Donations from the government and National Action Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) through the Ministry of Education. However, this cycle has been disrupted greatly by the COVID-19 pandemic as all of them are home with little or no access to the essential supplies.
Many families living in poverty and struggling to provide for the basic needs to their families barely having enough to purchase sanitary pads. We cannot ignore the very sad fact that children from low-income families are more disadvantaged and suffer more as compared to their peers from moderate- to upper-income households. This means they cannot afford to spare Ksh100 for sanitary pads leaving the girls exposed to unhygienic menstrual management.
Thousands of girls of menstruation age living in poverty in Kenya and need a better start in life on every monthly/menstrual cycle with a gift of sanitary pads, a gift that promises to keep on giving throughout their lifetime. Menstrual management is fundamental, some of the nation’s largest menstrual cycle non-profits report that over two-thirds of girls living in poverty have no access to sanitary pads at home. These girls are at risk of contracting menstrual related diseases.
Team Environment Kenya envisions a global community that empowers, upholds the dignity and protects the rights of every girlchild. The initiatives philosophy is, “Leave No Girl Behind.” Sanitary Pads for the Vulnerable and less fortunate Campaign was conceptualized with a goal of advancing the rights of a girlchild, especially those who have attained the Menstruation age, those coming from the informal and low income settlement areas, those coming from less privileged economic backgrounds and the oppressed ones. It aims at highlighting their needs and soliciting support from well-wishers and donors.
Girls who have access to sanitary towels are solid readers, perform better in school, have a healthy self-image, and become lifelong achievers, adding to their viability in a competitive world. The #Pads4Slums campaign focuses on impacting on these girls’ lives with the mission of promoting better menstrual cycle management and hygienic practices, which is also in line with the global and national campaigns to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and provide support to cushion and support the needy and vulnerable in the society.
The #Pads4Slums Campaign establishes a platform where donations in terms of sanitary towels, cash, advocacy, and menstrual health education are consolidated and made available to the needy and vulnerable girls and women in Nairobi’s informal settlements and beyond.
Objectives of the initiative are:-
a. To ensure adequate supply of Sanitary Pads to girls who have achieved the menstrual age in Nairobi’s informal settlements and beyond.
b. To bring new focus on the menstrual health education and management
c. To engage organizations and individuals in contributing to the course to ensure availability of free sanitary pads to the target group and intended beneficiaries.
d. To provide mentorship, guidance and counselling for girls on self-awareness, responsible living and how to have a healthy relationship with their peers of the opposite gender.
The #Pads4Slums Campaign Overview
The #Pads4Slums Campaign seeks to raise resources to help 500,000 girls of Menstruation Age from informal settlements access Sanitary Pads. The project calls upon Non-Government Organizations, Charities, Corporates, the Private Sector, well-wishers and Individuals to join hands in ensuring the menstrual health and hygiene of these girls is not compromised.
The key localities of focus
The initiative is aimed at supporting the girlchild in the informal settlement all across the 17 sub counties in Nairobi these are: Kibra, Lang’ata, Mathare, Kawangware, Kayole, Kariobangi, Mukuru, Kangemi, Dandora, Lucky summer, Kiamaiko and the Street Families, and to scale it up to the rest of the 46 counties.
The project will go a long way in addressing the quality of life and improving the menstrual health of these girls and women.
Campaign Goal
Ensure that 500,000 girls of menstruation age from low income areas in Nairobi and the counties beyond have access to Sanitary Pads until the COVID 19 pandemic is successfully contained.
Key Inputs
a) Raise and donate at least One (1) Million Sanitary Pads to the less fortunate girls.
b) Create awareness on proper menstrual management and health practices.
c) Raise resources to ensure continuous and sustainable flow of the sanitary pads donations to these girls.
Outcomes
a. 500,000+ girls of menstruation age in Nairobi’s and beyond informal settlements access sanitary pads.
b. 500,000+ girls of menstruation age in Nairobi’s informal settlements and beyond practice better menstrual cycle management.
c. Improved menstrual cycle management.
d. Motivated and confident girls.
It is in the above regard that we are reaching out to you for Partnership, support and collaboration.
For any inquiries, concerns and clarifications please contact +254 718 052 745 Ochanda or 791 373 751 – Philip (Nairobi). For in kind donations please deliver them at our physical location/office the Norwich Union House, Mama Ngina Street (Opposite Hilton Hotel).
For Funds or cash donations to:-
ACCOUNT DETAILS:
SBM Bank, Corner House Branch
Accnt Name:- TEAM ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION,
Account No: 0632355153001.
MPESA PAYBILL NO. 719 026
ACCOUNT NAME: Your Name
Thanks in advance for your favourable response and for joining up with us so that together we can make a big difference to touch, impact and transform lives one person at time.