Empowering Women and Girls to Combat Period Poverty in Korogocho, Nairobi
From October 10 to 17, 2024, WUS Austria visited the Korogocho slums in Nairobi, Kenya, where we are implementing a project in partnership with the Slum Child Foundation (SCF). Funded by Fair Styria, the project aims to empower women and girls by addressing reproductive health and combating period poverty. Through collaboration with local schools, the project engages students, teachers, and social workers to raise awareness and provide essential resources to the community.
This initiative builds on the success of two previous projects: Improving Life Skills of Young Mothers in the Slums of Nairobi (2022) and Promotion of Children's Rights in the Slums of Nairobi (2023). Our ongoing work remains focused on uplifting vulnerable communities by ensuring access to education and health services.
Dialogue Forum on Reproductive Health and Period Poverty
A key event during our visit was the Dialogue Forum on Reproductive Health and Period Poverty, held on October 12 at St. John's Primary School in Korogocho, coinciding with the International Day of the Girl Child. The forum attracted over 350 participants, including pupils and teachers from five local schools, teenage mothers, and other girls from the community. Distinguished speakers, including the district chief of Korogocho and representatives from the Nairobi municipality, addressed critical issues such as girls' rights, menstrual poverty, and reproductive health.
The forum provided a safe space for open discussions, breaking cultural taboos and allowing girls to ask candid questions about menstruation and reproductive health. Smaller group workshops enabled deeper engagement with these topics, offering valuable knowledge and support to participants.
In addition to the discussions, the day featured recreational activities such as dance performances, yoga, and a football match, fostering a sense of community and celebration. To further support the girls, menstrual hygiene products were distributed, and meals were provided to all attendees.
This project continues to empower the community through ongoing awareness-raising and outreach efforts, equipping women and girls with the knowledge and resources to combat period poverty and improve reproductive health. By addressing these issues, we aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of women and girls in Korogocho.
