For many girls, menstruation should be a normal part of growing up. Yet, for too long, it has been surrounded by silence, stigma, and embarrassment—causing many students to miss classes, lose confidence, or suffer in silence.
At Farina Foundation, we believe that no girl should have to choose between her education and her period.
With this conviction, we visited Shomela Senior School for an engaging menstrual hygiene awareness session aimed at breaking myths, promoting dignity, and creating a school environment where every student feels safe, respected, and supported. The discussion brought together both girls and boys, recognizing that ending period shame requires everyone to be part of the solution. Students openly explored the facts about menstruation, challenged harmful stereotypes, and discussed practical ways to support girls during their menstrual periods.
One of the most memorable moments of the day came when the male students stepped forward to distribute donated sanitary towels to their female classmates. More than simply handing out menstrual products, this symbolic act sent a powerful message: menstruation is not something to be hidden or mocked—it is a natural part of life, and supporting girls is everyone’s responsibility.
The activity encouraged empathy, mutual respect, and a renewed commitment to ensuring that no girl feels isolated because of her period.
“Before today’s session, many students were shy to talk about menstruation. Seeing the boys willingly support the girls has helped break the stigma and reminded our learners that respect and kindness create a better school environment for everyone.” — Mr. Mutune Teacher, Shomela Senior School
To strengthen long-term support for girls, we also encouraged the school to establish an emergency sanitary pad bank. This simple initiative would provide immediate access to menstrual products for girls who unexpectedly begin their periods while at school, ensuring they can remain in class with confidence and dignity instead of missing valuable learning time.
Every conversation that replaces silence with understanding, every sanitary pad that restores a girl’s confidence, and every boy who chooses empathy over stigma brings us one step closer to ending period shame.
Join Us in Keeping Girls in School
Thousands of girls across our communities continue to face barriers to education because they lack access to menstrual hygiene products and accurate information. Together, we can change that.
Your support can help us:
- Provide sanitary towels to vulnerable schoolgirls.
- Conduct menstrual health education sessions in more schools.
- Establish emergency sanitary pad banks in learning institutions.
- Equip both girls and boys with the knowledge to end menstrual stigma and promote gender equality.
When we invest in menstrual dignity, we invest in girls’ education, confidence, health, and future.
Together, we can build schools where no girl misses a lesson because of her period, and every student learns in an environment of dignity, compassion, and inclusion. Whatsapp chat +254 795712846 for more details on how to support.
