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Among the myriad societal challenges, period poverty is a topic that often dwells in the shadows. It seldom finds its way into the mainstream discourse. While discussions around basic human needs have expanded in recent years. The plight of those who face barriers to menstrual hygiene resources remains an important yet overlooked issue.
Characterized by the lack of access to adequate menstrual hygiene products and facilities, it impacts millions of women and girls worldwide, transcending geographic, economic, and cultural boundaries.
This widespread challenge encompasses physical health, psychological well-being, educational opportunities, and personal empowerment. It is a manifestation of gender inequality that echoes in whispers, overshadowed by other pressing concerns.
Female Empowerment: Promise Hill Project’s Outreach Program for Women’s Health
In 2022, Promise Hill Project embarked on a series of six Teen Outreach Sessions in Kenya (part of our Female Empowerment Program). The sessions focused on addressing critical issues faced by adolescents, particularly in rural areas.
Led by our dedicated volunteer Jacque Iveria Khabere, these sessions aimed to provide support, education, and a safe space for young girls to discuss their experiences during the pandemic, build self-esteem, and promote mental and physical well-being.
In 2023, we have so far organized one Teen Outreach session in Kenya that was attended by 25 participants in the age group of 15-18 years. Each participant received 50 meals & 84 period kits (equal to 4 cycles).
These sessions aimed to foster mental and physical well-being among these young individuals but also combat “period poverty” – a deeply impactful issue that has far-reaching effects on women’s lives.
Understanding the Impact of Period Poverty
At Promise Hill Project, we believe that “period poverty” is a pressing concern.
According to the World Bank, an estimated 500 million do not have access to menstrual products and adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management.
The numbers underscore the urgency of addressing period poverty. Even in developed countries like the United States, an estimated 16.9 million menstruating individuals live in poverty.
Women experiencing period poverty are more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression, struggle with financial challenges, and even experience dissatisfaction in their love lives. The lack of access to proper menstrual hygiene products and facilities significantly affects their physical health, dignity, and empowerment.
Empowering Women Through Education
Promise Hill Project’s Basic Needs Program is a beacon of hope and empowerment. One of its main objectives is to address period poverty by providing women with access to menstrual hygiene products.
The program takes a holistic approach, distributing products and conducting workshops and awareness programs. These health and wellness program efforts empower women with knowledge about menstrual health and hygiene practices, ultimately working towards destigmatizing menstruation.
The Role of Outreach Sessions
The Teen Outreach Sessions organized by Promise Hill Project served as an essential platform for addressing period poverty and a range of mental health and well-being concerns.
These sessions created safe spaces where young individuals could converse openly about their emotions, experiences, and challenges. By fostering self-awareness, self-esteem, and social awareness, these sessions contributed to building resilient, confident, and empowered young women.
A Journey Towards Empowerment
Promise Hill Project’s Teen Outreach Sessions in Kenya stand as a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives in effecting positive change.
By combining education, essential supplies, and a nurturing environment, the project touched the lives of countless young individuals. It offered them tools to navigate life’s challenges.
By destigmatizing menstruation, providing access to menstrual hygiene products, and promoting education, we can pave the way for a world where women’s health and dignity are upheld, and every woman can embrace her menstruation journey with confidence, health, and empowerment.
Support Promise Hill Project’s Basic Needs Program by donating women’s sanitary products today. Do your bit and take a step towards eradicating period poverty.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What were the key goals of Promise Hill Project’s Outreach Sessions in Kenya?
The Teen Outreach Sessions organized by Promise Hill Project is aimed to address mental and physical well-being among adolescents in rural Kenya.
They focus on building self-esteem, offering a safe platform for discussing pandemic-related challenges, and providing crucial knowledge about menstrual health. The sessions sought to empower participants, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
2. Why is destigmatizing menstruation essential in addressing period poverty?
The stigma surrounding menstruation often contributes to period poverty by discouraging open conversations and perpetuating misinformation.
Destigmatization is crucial as it paves the way for discussions about menstrual hygiene and health. It normalizes the experience of menstruation, and encourages the development of initiatives and policies that can effectively address period poverty on a broader scale.
3. How does Promise Hill Project’s Basic Needs Program contribute to addressing period poverty?
Promise Hill Project’s Basic Needs Program is dedicated to providing basic needs like food, water, clothing, shelter, and menstrual hygiene to the needy and underprivileged.
At Promise Hill Project , we strongly advocate access to period products as a basic need. We aim to provide women from underserved communities with menstrual hygiene products.
Through distribution initiatives, workshops, and awareness programs, we aim to empower women with knowledge about menstrual health and hygiene.
4. How can I support Promise Hill Project’s Menstrual Hygiene Initiative?
You can support this by contributing to the Basic Needs Program and donating women’s sanitary products. Your contribution will help ensure women in need in the United States and Kenya have access to essential menstrual hygiene products.
More to read in Promise Hill Project Blog
The Importance of Personal Hygiene Awareness in Disadvantaged Communities
Food Insecurity in the United States: Causes and Solutions
Transforming Lives through Promise Hill Project’s Food Donation Initiatives
