On July 25th, 2025, something shifted in the hearts of 75 girls at Naipereri Primary School. It wasn’t just a regular pad drive. It amplified a moment of awakening, community, and hope. What made this particular empowerment session stand out wasn’t just the distribution of washable sanitary towels, or the much needed donation of disposable pads to a school that had completely run out it was the people behind the mission, and the stories they dared to share.

Grace Kiarie, Program Coordinator of Naanyu Initiative and Junior Advisor of the African Environmental Youth Advisory, opened the session with a raw and personal account of her struggles with period poverty. Raised in an urban setting, many would assume she never had to worry about pads. But as she shared her truth, the times she survived without pads and had to borrow from her friend Caroline, the shame she carried, and the discomfort she endured. And while she shared this, something in the room shifted. The girls saw themselves in her, and more importantly, they saw a future version of themselves: strong, outspoken, and fiercely committed to change.

Grace also gave a menstrual hygiene talk and demonstrated how to wear and dispose of pads properly. The energy in the room only deepened when Sylvia Naanyu, the founder of Naanyu Initiative, stood to speak. A proud Maasai woman, unmarried, and studying Community Development at Mount Kenya University, Sylvia’s voice carried weight. She spoke firmly against FGM, sharing her own story of saying no and choosing education instead. She connected deeply with the girls not only because she was “one of them” but because she proved that it was possible to rise above harmful norms. When she demonstrated how to use and clean washable pads, the girls were captivated. For once, they were being taught by someone who truly understood.

Makena Lindah, the social media manager, brought in a wave of motivation. She urged the girls to choose themselves every day to be ‘selfish’ with their education, in a world that often demands they give themselves away too soon. Her words were sharp, empowering, and needed.

Then came Marco Emmanuel, the event organiser, who spoke with passion and clarity. “Don’t fall for sweet words,” he told the girls, warning them about being lied to by men. His voice carried the weight of the teachers’ concerns about rampant teenage pregnancies and early marriages in the school. It was a hard conversation, but a necessary one.

Personally, I (Grace) feel deeply connected to these girls. Having spent time with them in Laikipia over several visits, I’ve watched them grow, struggle, and rise. They are “my girls.” Their dreams are mine too. This program was a success, it also opened a door to a shared commitment to return later this year for an assessment of the distribution and an opportunity to look beyond the numbers and see what transformation it made. 

The washable pads are a game changer compared to disposable pads. 1 pad can be washed with 2 litres of water which is the approximate size of a household jug. They can be used for a year straight, they are sustainable by not contributing to single use waste, and it will hardly give the girls burns and boils unlike the disposable low quality pads. The female teachers also promised to keep reminding the girls to practice proper , practical hygiene to avoid infections.

To Ansell Pharmaceutical Clinic for the donation of washable pads, and to every person that gave, reposted, prayed, or showed up thank you. You were part of something real. Period poverty should no longer be a conversation in 2025 but until it’s eradicated, we will keep showing up. Stronger, louder, and together. We are the change we need.