Nguvu Collective Sheds Light on Alarming Levels of Period Poverty in Rural Kenya
A recent grassroots survey conducted by Nguvu Collective, in collaboration with KEWOPA and 10 local partners, has brought to light the critical issue of period poverty in Kenya, particularly in rural areas. The survey, titled ‘Echoing Voices from the Grassroots on Dignified Period for All,’ focused on the voices of women and girls, emphasizing the importance of affordable, quality, and sufficient sanitary pads.
The survey uncovered significant accessibility gaps, with nearly half of the respondents reporting a lack of shops in their area selling menstrual products. This lack of access not only hinders women and girls from managing their periods effectively but also exposes them to risks of exploitation and sexual abuse. Shockingly, one in three respondents reported experiencing or being at risk of harassment, exploitation, or abuse due to a lack of menstrual products.
Led by five Nguvu Change Leaders, the survey collected insights from nearly 9500 women and girls across 45 counties in Kenya, with half of the respondents residing in rural areas. The Change Leaders emphasized the importance of addressing the harsh realities of period poverty and called for action to prioritize menstrual equity, justice, and dignity.
The survey, conducted over five months from October 2024 to February 2025, received support from KEWOPA and other local partners. The findings highlighted the insufficiency of the government’s Sanitary Towels Program, with 41% of recipients stating that the supply was inadequate. Only 23.2% felt that the supply was sufficient, underscoring the need for improved access to quality menstrual products.
Preethi Herman, CEO of Nguvu Collective, stressed the importance of legislative action to address period poverty in Kenya. She urged the National Assembly to prioritize the Provision of Sanitary Towels Bill as a crucial step towards closing the gap in menstrual health and safeguarding the well-being of women and girls.
Key findings from the survey included concerns about the accessibility, exploitation, quality, and knowledge of menstrual health products. The survey revealed that 46% of respondents faced insufficient availability of menstrual products, while 34% reported experiencing or being at risk of exploitation due to a lack of access. Quality factors such as absorbency, comfort, and skin sensitivity were identified as top priorities for menstrual products.
Nguvu Collective plans to present the survey findings and recommendations to key stakeholders, including Senator Gloria Orwoba, the sponsor of the Provision of Sanitary Towels Bill, 2024. They aim to engage with government ministries and organizations to advocate for policies that ensure free, quality, and sufficient sanitary towels in public institutions and correctional facilities.
By shedding light on the challenges faced by women and girls in accessing menstrual products, Nguvu Collective hopes to drive positive change and improve menstrual health and equity in Kenya.
