07/03/2025
# # # **Empowering Young Girls in Kajiado – A Special International Women’s Day Initiative**
Today, in honour of **International Women’s Day**, a passionate team of advocates came together, led by Derick Omondi of Shikisha Pad Changemakers, to spend a meaningful day with students at Kajiado Township Primary School and Kajiado Children’s Home.
🌍 **Menstrual Health & Advocacy** Derick and his team are working tirelessly to find sustainable solutions for menstrual hygiene management, educating young girls on **proper hygiene practices while providing them with much-needed sanitary pads. His ultimate goal? To import and install machines that can produce 10,000 reusable pads a day, revolutionising access to menstrual products and ending period poverty.
He shared the heartbreaking reality that 3 in 5 girls under the age of 17 engage in transactional s*x just to afford sanitary pads - a crisis he is determined to eliminate. Through open discussions with both boys and girls, he is breaking the silence around period stigma and fostering a culture of understanding and support.
💡 **Inspiration & Empowerment** - Michelle Shepherd of Surazuri Events delivered a powerful message on dreaming big, working hard, and pushing beyond limits - encouraging the students to embrace excellence and self-belief.
Sarafina Ambale, a passionate human rights activist, captivated the room with an eye-opening 40-minute session on personal safety, equipping the students with essential knowledge and self-protection strategies. Their engagement and thoughtful questions proved just how necessary and impactful these conversations are.
🎁 **Giving Back** The day ended with a generous donation of boxes of sanitary pads distributed to the girls, thanks to Derick’s efforts. Michelle also brought sweets and leaflets to share with the students, adding a touch of joy to an already empowering experience.
💜 **A True Reflection of – **
Today was a reminder that real change happens when passionate individuals take action.
Thank you to this incredible team for stepping up, speaking out, and making a difference. 👏👏👏