On World Health Day 2026, we’re dedicated to tackling period poverty, and highlighting the vital link between menstrual health, education, and community empowerment across rural Kenya.
With this year’s World Health Day theme focusing on equitable access to health services, POP is drawing attention to the often-overlooked issue of menstrual health management. Across many parts of Africa, millions of girls face barriers to education and wellbeing due to a lack of access to safe, affordable sanitary products.
POP is addressing this challenge through a sustainable, community-driven approach: training and supporting local women to manufacture high-quality, reusable sanitary pads. These products are then distributed through local schools, ensuring girls can attend classes with dignity and confidence.
Menstrual health is not just a hygiene issue—it’s a human rights issue – by empowering women with the skills to produce reusable sanitary pads, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also creating economic opportunities and long-term solutions within communities.
The initiative delivers a dual impact:
- Improving Health Outcomes: Reusable pads provide a safe and hygienic alternative, reducing the risk of infection and promoting better menstrual health.
- Boosting Education Access: Reliable access to sanitary products helps reduce absenteeism among schoolgirls, supporting their right to education.
- Empowering Women Economically: Local production initiatives create jobs, skills training, and financial independence for women.
- Promoting Sustainability: Reusable pads reduce environmental waste compared to single-use products.
Through partnerships with schools POP ensures that distribution networks are locally led and culturally appropriate. Education on menstrual health is also a key component, helping to break stigma and foster open conversations.
100% of any money raised goes straight into funding these small manufacturing businesses – please give generously at: https://www.powerofpads.com/