From Stigma to Strength: Restoring Menstrual Dignity This Christmas

From Stigma to Strength: Restoring Menstrual Dignity This Christmas

Christmas is a season of hope, restoration, and renewed possibility. Today, at Undugu Empowerment Programs (UEP), that hope came to life through our Sista Plus Menstrual Dignity Event, where adolescent girls gathered not only to receive menstrual health support, but to reclaim confidence, dignity, and belief in their future.

For many girls in rural western Kenya, menstruation remains surrounded by silence and shame. Without access to safe menstrual products, girls miss school, withdraw from participation, and lose confidence at a critical stage of adolescence. This invisible barrier continues to undermine education outcomes and long-term opportunity.

Sista Plus is changing that reality—practically, sustainably, and at scale.

“I used to miss school every month because I was afraid of staining my uniform. Today I learned that I am not alone, and now I can attend school with confidence.”

— Form Two student, Busia County

Turning Awareness into Action

Today’s event reached 250 adolescent girls through open dialogue, mentorship, and practical menstrual health education. Girls learned that menstruation is natural—and that it should never limit their education or aspirations.

Each participant received a Sista Plus menstrual dignity kit, including reusable sanitary pads produced at our Girl Pad Centre.

“This is the first time someone explained menstruation without shame. I feel proud of myself and my body.”

— Upper primary school girl

The shift was immediate:

- Girls spoke openly and asked questions

- Confidence replaced silence

- Stigma gave way to pride

This is what dignity looks like in action.

Sustainable Solutions, Community-Led Impact

What sets Sista Plus apart is its sustainable, locally driven model. The reusable pads distributed today are manufactured at the Girl Pad Centre, a social enterprise that provides skills training and employment for young women and teen mothers.

“Working at the Girl Pad Centre has helped me earn an income and rebuild my confidence. Knowing that the pads we make help girls stay in school gives my work purpose.”

— Teen mother & pad production trainee

Every kit distributed creates dual impact:

- A girl stays in school with dignity

- A young woman earns a livelihood

Why Menstrual Dignity Matters

When girls have access to safe menstrual products and accurate information:

- School attendance improves

- Confidence and participation increase

- Educational outcomes strengthen

- Futures expand

Menstrual dignity is not optional. It is foundational to education, health, and gender equity.

Year-End Giving: Turn Compassion Into Measurable Impact

As the year draws to a close, we invite you to transform Christmas generosity into lasting change.

Your year-end gift can deliver real, trackable outcomes:

- $20 – Provides 1 girl with a reusable menstrual kit and hygiene education

- $50 – Supports 2 girls to stay in school for an entire year

- $100 – Supplies 5 girls with dignity kits and mentorship

- $250 – Supports pad production, education sessions, and employment for teen mothers at the Girl Pad Centre

Every contribution strengthens a locally made, climate-smart solution that keeps girls learning and women earning.

“When you give dignity to a girl, you don’t just change her month—you change her future.”

— Immaculate A. Wesonga, Founder & Executive Director, Undugu Empowerment Programs

This Christmas, join us in moving girls from stigma to strength.

Support Sista Plus today. Empower a girl. Sustain a future.