Research across Kenya’s rural and peri-urban regions has revealed the stark realities of maternity wards. From antenatal to postnatal care, resource constraints hinder a broad spectrum of maternal healthcare in public health facilities. This is a big deal because it affects the supply of vital menstrual hygiene products for new moms and impedes education on menstrual health and hygiene. And the fallout is not just physical; there’s an impact on women’s agency and a deepening of period poverty.
The Role of Travel4Purpose in Promoting Menstrual Health Equity
According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), period poverty is the struggle many low-income women and girls face while trying to afford menstrual products. The term also refers to the increased economic vulnerability women and girls face due to the financial burden posed by menstrual supplies. Tackling these challenges is vital. We must ensure that menstrual health management is dignified, effective, and sustainable. This highlights the need for integrated maternal and reproductive health care strategies. This is where Travel4Purpose’s crucial role comes into play.
In the neonatal unit, mothers express gratitude for reusable pads, a relief from high menstrual product costs.
Empowering Kenyan Women: Travel4Purpose’s Innovative Approach to Sexual Health Education and Access to Sanitary Products
Travel4Purpose, a social enterprise, is making a difference in Kenyan hospitals and schools, combining sanitary pad distribution with important education on sexual and reproductive health, body autonomy, and gender-based violence. They work with Tunaweza, a group of talented women with disabilities who make these reusable sanitary pads. These pads are a game-changer for women who can’t get disposable sanitary products. Their approach? It’s all about ensuring young women in the community have a safe and supportive space to learn and ask crucial questions about their bodies. It’s a big step in overcoming stigma and the problem of insufficient resources.
Travel4Purpose collaborates with Tunaweza women with disabilities, who craft reusable sanitary pads, supporting sustainable solutions.
Empowering Mothers and Newborns: T4P and Sup.Kenya Distribute Sanitary Pads and Essential Hampers in Mombasa
This Christmas, T4P partnered with Sup.Kenya, a charity organization, and local volunteers, to distribute sanitary pads in the maternity wards at Coast Provincial General Hospital in Mombasa, Kenya. T4P isn’t just about travel; they create personalized journeys in Kenya that positively impact social and environmental issues, thanks to their tourism and community engagement initiatives. The sanitary pads were complemented by 150 newborn essential hampers from Sup.Kenya to enhance support for new mothers and babies.
In the busy maternity ward, new mothers receive a basket of hope with essential supplies for their journey into parenthood.
Empowering Women Through Education and Sustainable Sanitary Pad Distribution: T4P’s Impact at Coast Provincial General Hospital
T4P’s collaboration in Mombasa’s Coast Provincial General Hospital was a step in addressing period poverty and fostering an environment where women can learn about and manage their reproductive health effectively. It’s about bringing together sustainable sanitary pad distribution with education on sexual and reproductive health, which is crucial to building a supportive community for women, paving the way for more informed and empowered future generations. Through their innovative approaches and collaborative efforts, T4P is breaking the cycle of period poverty and setting an example of how responsible organizations can drive meaningful change in communities. Their journey is an ongoing mission to ensure dignified care and empowerment for women, one pad at a time.
A mother proudly presents her reusable sanitary pads, ‘Najivunia kuwa mwanamke’ (I am proud to be a woman).
Empowering Women Through Menstrual Health Education: Partnering with Travelforpurpose
Working with responsible organizations like Travelforpurpose is about more than just handing out menstrual pads. It’s about providing crucial menstrual health education and enhancing women’s agency. T4P actively welcomes support from individual contributors, companies looking to contribute to their corporate social responsibility initiatives, and organizations interested in forming partnerships.
Each durable, reusable pad, costing 400 KES (2.5 USD), offers years of reliability and savings. A collaborative effort is vital in expanding our impact. Let’s make a real difference by breaking the cycle of period poverty and ensuring dignified care for women in Kenya and worldwide!
Article Author: Dr. Shaz Khalid
