The Mary Biketi Foundation held a successful outreach visit to Kapcherop Primary School in Elgeyo Marakwet County, where dozens of schoolgirls benefited from a donation of sanitary towels and a menstrual hygiene education session.
The foundation, known for its advocacy for girls’ empowerment and dignity, emphasised its commitment to breaking period poverty and the stigma surrounding menstruation issues that continue to hinder the education and confidence of many school-going girls in rural Kenya.
Speaking during the event, founder Mary Biketi underscored the importance of supporting girls through their menstrual cycles to ensure they remain in school and maintain their dignity.
“It is our firm belief that no girl should be subjected to stigma or miss school due to the lack of access to menstrual products,” said Ms. Biketi.
“Menstruation is natural, not shameful, and it must never be a barrier to a girl’s education.”
The menstrual hygiene education session focused on proper menstrual care, debunking common myths, and encouraging open conversations around the topic.
Teachers and female staff at the school were also engaged in the session to ensure long-term support for the girls beyond the one-day event.
Teachers at Kapcherop Primary expressed appreciation for the outreach, terming it a game-changer in enhancing the confidence and performance of girls.
“Many of our learners miss school every month because they lack sanitary pads or fear being embarrassed,” said Caroline Chebet, a senior teacher at the school. “This intervention not only helps them stay in school but also empowers them to understand and manage their health.”
The foundation’s outreach is part of a broader campaign to advance menstrual equity and empower young girls through education, advocacy, and provision of basic hygiene essentials.
The foundation has pledged to continue supporting girls in underserved communities through similar outreach programmes and advocacy campaigns on menstrual health and hygiene.
By Rennish Okong’o
