That lack of basic needs such as sanitary pads has been a challenge for many needy girls is not a secret in the Kenyan society.
The ‘period of shame’ has continued to affect girls from informal settlement around Nairobi County performance in school with Ruaraka having most cases.
According to Maseline Ogore from SOMO ”most of the girls in these informal settlements cannot afford sanitary pads thus most of them prefer to stay at home during their menstruation especially in slums like Korogocho, Ngomongo, Kasabuni and Kariadudu where its more prevalent.”
Ogore and her friends in a bid to ensure the girls do not stay away from school have joined hands to make re usable sanitary pads that can be used for up to six months.
Ogore says they are making these pads with help from well wishers.
“we continue getting help from well wishers to make the sanitary pads which has enabled us donate them to the needy girls in schools for free” says Ogore.
At the moment 8 schools from Ruaraka constituency have already benefited from the program
The program has so far received support from politicians like Nairobi senator Johnson Sakaja and former Korogocho MCA Maxwel Ochar.