Breaking the silence around period poverty!
Empowering Girls' Education by Breaking the Barriers of Period Poverty Through Sustainable Solutions
In many parts of the world, education is the key that unlocks a girl’s future. But for millions of girls, something as natural as a menstrual cycle quietly locks that door, every single month.
During my visit to Kenya in the fall of 2023, I witnessed this reality up close. While speaking at a women’s empowerment summit hosted by CareerBox Africa, I met a group of high school girls whose dreams were being quietly interrupted. Not because of lack of ambition or intellect, but because of lack of access.
Every month, these bright, determined students missed five to seven days of school simply because they don’t have access to menstrual supplies. Some use rags, newspapers, or nothing at all. Others stay home in shame. The result? Missed lessons, falling grades, and opportunities slipping further out of reach.
It’s not a matter of ability. It’s a matter of dignity.
A Hidden Global Issue
Menstrual inequity or “period poverty” affects over 500 million women and girls worldwide.
It’s a topic seldom discussed, yet its impact on education and equality is staggering. For girls in low-income communities, missing school due to their period often leads to dropping out entirely, limiting future employment and independence.
In many cultures, menstruation is surrounded by stigma, silence, and misinformation. The shame and isolation that accompany it can leave lasting scars. For me, meeting those girls in Kenya turned this statistic into something deeply personal.
A Simple Solution with a Profound Impact
I knew I couldn’t walk away without doing something.
That moment inspired my mission: to provide 2,500 girls with three pairs each of reusable period panties, a sustainable, dignified solution that can last for years.
Period panties are an innovative alternative to disposable pads and tampons. Designed with built-in absorbent layers, they are leak-proof, washable, and reusable. They give girls freedom… the freedom to attend class, play sports, work toward their goals, and live without fear or embarrassment.
The Power of Partnership
To make this mission a reality, I’ve partnered with two incredible organizations: CareerBox Africa, which equips young people across Africa with workforce skills, and Bloom India, which empowers marginalized communities through education and resources for young women.
Trusted female mentors within these nonprofits are distributing the supplies, ensuring they reach the girls who need them most.
In addition, UPS has generously partnered with us to handle shipping to India at no cost, a powerful example of corporate compassion in action.
I will continue to travel to both Kenya and India to personally help deliver the supplies and connect with these extraordinary young women.
Because empowerment isn’t just about resources, it’s about showing up, listening, and letting girls know they are seen and valued.
Changing the Cycle
When we talk about women’s equity, we often focus on boardrooms, pay gaps, and representation. But true equity begins with access, access to education, health, and dignity.
Menstrual care should never be a luxury. Yet for too many, it is. Further, every girl should proudly embrace their menstrual cycle as a birthright and passage in to womanhood. Unfortunately, this is not a reality for far too many due to a lack of access and education.
By eradicating period poverty, we’re not just meeting a basic need; we’re rewriting futures. Each pair of period panties represents days of learning restored, confidence rebuilt, and potential reawakened.
How You Can Help
Through our GoFundMe campaign, we’re raising funds to initially supply 2,500 girls with reusable period panties.
Each contribution, large or small, helps keep another girl in school, learning, and dreaming.
Because no girl should ever have to choose between her dignity and her education.
✨ Join us in changing the cycle. Together, we can give every girl the dignity, education, and future she deserves.
�� Fundraiser by Victoria Boston : Help 2,500 Girls Stay in School with Period Panties!
