In a small rural village in Kenya, 14-year-old Ayana (real name has been changed to protect their privacy) sat quietly behind her hut, hugging her knees. Her school uniform was stained, and her eyes were filled with tears – not only from the painful abdominal cramps, but also from shame. It was her first period, and like many girls before her in the village, she had no idea what was happening. She had no sanitary pads, no one to talk to and no safe place to hide. Her mother simply handed her an old rag and whispered, “Don’t tell anyone. It is a curse.”

Ayana is not alone. This is a familiar story for a large number of girls in Africa. For generations, menstruation has been shrouded in silence, shame and myths. From being seen as “unclean” to being forced to miss school, or stay isolated during their periods, girls have faced enormous barriers because of a natural biological occurrence. However, the narrative is beginning to change.

Menstrual Cycle Hygiene: More Than Just Cleanliness

Menstrual cycle hygiene goes beyond just having access to sanitary pads. It is about knowledge, dignity, support, and health. When girls like Ayana understand what is happening to their bodies, have access to proper menstrual care products and feel safe to speak about their needs without shame, they become successful not just in school, but in their homes and the community at large. This is where Asante Africa comes in with the Wezesha Vijana Program (WVP).

Some of Zipporah’s friends making the reusable sanitary pads

Wezesha Vijana Program: Empowering Girls, Educating Boys, and Involving Parents

Through the WVP, we have educated girls in East Africa on their menstrual cycle and how to maintain menstrual hygiene. Through these mentorships, the girls have learned how to keep themselves clean and not be ashamed of this natural phenomenon. Most importantly, they have devised cost-effective menstrual care packages, including reusable sanitary pads, which they make themselves.

In 2023, Zipporah started making and selling reusable sanitary pads for 50 Kenyan shillings (40 cents in USD), to support her basic needs. She also took the initiative to train her classmates in making the pad. Zipporah learned these essential life and business skills from participating in the WVP.

Moreover, the boys are not left out of this – we include them in all the conversations about menstruation. We believe that when boys learn what menstruation is, how it affects their sisters and classmates, and what myths are untrue, they become allies. Instead of teasing or shaming them, they offer support. Through the WVP, some of the boys have led conversations on menstruation hygiene and have taken initiatives to ensure sanitary products are available for their female classmates.

Solomon in a menstrual cycle session with his peers

Solomon joined the WVP as a timid boy. However, he was empowered with self-esteem, confidence and leadership skills, and now leads sessions on menstruation, working to debunk myths and misconceptions surrounding it. Solomon not only empowers his female peers to embrace the natural process and teaches the girls on menstrual hygiene, but also actively involves his male peers in these conversations to challenge gender stereotypes and promote a more inclusive society.

We also bring parents, both mothers and fathers, into the sessions. Many of them never received this education themselves. Some still believe the same myths they were told as children, however, when they learn the facts and hear from our educators, they become powerful advocates for change.

The Bigger Picture: Fighting Period Poverty

Access to menstrual products is a human rights issue. Period poverty – the lack of access to sanitary products, clean water and safe facilities – leads to school absenteeism, infections and low self-esteem.

Through the WVP, Asante Africa is contributing their quota by educating the young and old on menstrual cycle hygiene and most importantly, equipping them with the necessary skills to support themselves – a majority of these students have become menstrual hygiene ambassadors and are running campaigns in their schools and communities. We have created safe spaces for our girls, leading to the reduction of absenteeism from school during menstruation and increasing their confidence.

We have also given thousands of girls essential menstrual kits, and are still raising funds for more kits for the youth in Kenya through the Digs for Dignity Kits project. You may donate here.  

As we approach Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, 2025. It is crucial to remember that menstrual equity is not about donations. It is about breaking down generations of silence and shame and empowering young people to lead the change in their own communities.

Let us rewrite stories like Ayana’s and make sure no girl hides behind her hut, ashamed and alone. Let us empower every young person to understand, support, and celebrate the beauty of growing up – menstruation and all.

WRITTEN BY: Halisatu Aziz