AFRIpads Project

Menstrual health challenges were identified as a significant barrier to education for schoolgirls in Marafa, Kenya. Teachers at Kotayo Comprehensive School reported that girls were frequently missing school due to a lack of access to sanitary products. To address this, FractionForFuture initiated the AFRIpads Project, beginning with the delivery of 800 disposable sanitary pads to provide immediate relief. However, recognizing the need for a long-term and environmentally sustainable solution, the project shifted focus to reusable sanitary kits.

On January 13, 2025, FractionForFuture launched its first official project in partnership with AFRIpads Foundationand A Smile From Kenya, distributing 60 reusable sanitary kits to 60 high school girls. These kits, designed to last two years, provided a dignified, cost-effective, and culturally appropriate solution to menstrual health challenges.

The distribution was carefully managed in collaboration with local teachers, ensuring the initiative was implemented with sensitivity to cultural norms. Beyond providing sanitary products, the project also focused on raising awareness and education. Sessions were held with both female and male students to break the stigma surrounding menstruation and normalize discussions about menstrual health in schools.

Future plans for the AFRIpads Project include scaling up the initiative to reach more students in the region and integrating menstrual health education into school curricula. By addressing both the practical and social barriers faced by young girls, this initiative empowers them to pursue their education without interruption, fostering greater gender equality in education.