On the occasion of World Menstrual Hygiene Day, OLVEA Foundation highlights the progress of the Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) project, developed in partnership with Mount Kenya Trust in Meru County, Kenya. 

For more than a year, this project has been supporting girls and local communities through concrete actions aimed at fighting period poverty, supporting girls’ education and strengthening women empowerment through a sustainable and inclusive approach. 

Supported by OLVEA Foundation and actively backed on the ground by OLVEA’s local teams in Kenya, the project continues to expand today with tangible results for beneficiaries and their communities.

In several rural areas of Kenya, limited access to menstrual products remains a significant barrier to girls’ education. 

According to the project’s annual report, nearly 44.7% of surveyed girls reported missing at least one school day per month due to a lack of appropriate menstrual products. 

Beyond its impact on education, this situation can also increase risks of poverty, social exclusion and vulnerability for the girls concerned. 

The Menstrual Health and Hygiene project therefore provides practical solutions to promote more equitable access to education and menstrual health awareness. 

Since the launch of the programme, more than 1,000 girls aged 10 to 19 have already received “dignity packs” containing reusable sanitary pads, underwear, soap and educational materials. 

The results observed in partner schools are encouraging: some schools are now reporting up to 100% school attendance among girls supported by the programme, reflecting a significant reduction in menstruation-related absenteeism. 

Alongside product distribution, awareness workshops are organised around menstrual health, puberty and hygiene. These sessions also involve boys, teachers and parents in order to help reduce taboos surrounding menstruation and encourage a better understanding of the topic within local communities. 

The programme is also built on a sustainable and community-based model. 

At Ndiine Dispensary, 20 women have been trained to manufacture reusable sanitary pads. This activity now enables them to generate additional income while directly contributing to the well-being of girls within their communities. 

The project also continues to evolve based on field feedback. The kits have notably been improved with additional reusable pads and formats adapted for younger beneficiaries. 

New actions are also being implemented to improve sanitation infrastructure in partner schools, an essential challenge to ensure proper hygiene conditions and suitable learning environments for students. 

By supporting this initiative alongside Mount Kenya Trust, OLVEA Foundation reaffirms its commitment to education, health and the empowerment of women and girls. 

This project reflects the Foundation’s commitment to supporting practical, sustainable initiatives developed in close connection with the needs of local communities.