"I came to understand that menstrual health is not solely a biological issue but is deeply connected to social, cultural, and economic factors."
Stephanie Itumba, MPH'26 - menstrual health in Nairobi, Kenya
Dignity for Girls: Menstrual Health and Empowerment in Nairobi, Kenya
By,
Stephanie Itumba, MPH'26
Project Overview
Over a four week period last December, I undertook several activities to address menstrual health education and equity in Nairobi, Kenya, through a Co-designed Community-based internship funded by the Center for Global Health Equity at Dartmouth College. The first week started when I arrived at the project site in Mathare, a low income area of Nairobi with high rates of teenage pregnancy. Although I am familiar with Nairobi, this was my first time in Mathare, which made the experience particularly impactful. In my early discussions with the cofounder of the Ready Aiders Foundation, the local organization that I partnered with to implement the menstrual health education project, I learned that while the organization provides education on nutrition and technology for children with disabilities, menstrual health education had not been included due to limited funding. Recognizing this urgent need led to being invited to deliver targeted menstrual health education for the girls.
In Week 2, I conducted a menstrual health education session. The girls were highly engaged and asked questions that revealed significant gaps in their understanding of reproductive and sexual health, including questions about sexual intercourse and protection. In Week 3, I distributed a three month supply of sanitary pads, and during this process, many of the girls disclosed to me that they lacked consistent access to menstrual products because of financial constraints. In Week 4, I focused on sustainability and longterm solutions, which led me to launch an initiative titled Dignity for Girls, aimed at ensuring consistent access to menstrual products and education. I also facilitated discussions on the use of reusable menstrual pads as a sustainable and cost effective option.
Project Insight
Several key insights emerged for me through these experiences. I came to understand that menstrual health is not solely a biological issue but is deeply connected to social, cultural, and economic factors. The absence of menstrual health education within existing community programs showed me how funding limitations and resource availability directly influence health outcomes. I also recognized that access to menstrual products is essential for maintaining dignity, supporting school attendance, and promoting overall wellbeing.
In addition, I saw firsthand the importance of culturally responsive, ageappropriate education. The girls’ willingness to ask sensitive questions demonstrated to me the value of creating safe, supportive learning environments. This experience also reinforced for me the role of selfawareness in healthcare practice, as I realized how my own background and lived experiences shape my approach to education, advocacy, and patient engagement.
