For Those Who Wear The Brand
Global Aid Projects

In the sun-baked lands of Isiolo, Kenya, where the sky meets the rugged earth, the struggles of daily life are relentless, especially for the women and girls who live there. Hidden behind the veil of poverty, one of the most challenging yet often overlooked battles they face is managing their menstrual hygiene—a basic human need that remains out of reach for many.

Meet Mackline, Justina, Catherine, and Liz.

These four young girls embody resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. Growing up in a world where the basics are scarce, they've had to navigate adolescence with little to no access to menstrual products, forcing them to improvise with rags, old blankets, and other unsafe materials. The consequences are dire. From recurrent infections to the emotional burden of societal neglect, their stories reveal a harsh reality that goes beyond mere discomfort.

Mackline, for instance, has battled repeated urinary tract infections caused by using unhygienic materials during her periods. Justina lives with an aunt who provides for her basic needs but remains unaware of her menstrual struggles. Left with no choice, Justina relies on an older boyfriend to supply her with sanitary products—a relationship she endures out of sheer necessity, despite her deep discomfort.

These stories are not just about the absence of menstrual hygiene products; they are about the complex web of poverty, societal neglect, and gender inequality that entraps these young girls. Every month, their menstrual cycles serve as a stark reminder of their marginalized existence, where dignity is a luxury they cannot afford.

But change is happening

In a recent initiative, we partnered with Amina, a dedicated Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) nurse, who has been tirelessly working to improve menstrual hygiene management in the community. Through this collaboration, 20 young girls, including Mackline, Justina, Catherine, and Liz, were taught not only about menstruation and hygiene but also how to make their own reusable sanitary pads from upcycled materials.



During the session, the girls learned to create these reusable pads, a small but significant step towards reclaiming control over their lives. To support Amina’s mission and extend her reach, we provided her organization with a sewing machine and distributed 18 reusable pads to the most vulnerable girls in the community.

The impact of this initiative is profound

No longer do these girls have to endure the shame and humiliation that once defined their menstrual cycles. With every reusable pad, they are reminded of their inherent worth and dignity, regardless of their economic circumstances. They are learning that they deserve respect, and they are beginning to believe it.

Beyond the immediate relief of improved menstrual hygiene, this intervention is sparking a broader change in the community. By breaking the silence around menstruation and challenging deep-seated taboos, these girls are leading the way towards a more inclusive and equitable future. Their courage and resilience inspire us all to look deeper into the roots of poverty and recognize the strength that lies within every individual.

In a world often filled with despair, these small acts of kindness ripple outward, creating waves of change that can transform lives. The simple gift of menstrual products has unlocked a future where these girls can walk with their heads held high, confident in their ability to shape their own destinies.