On International Women's Day, March 8, 2025, the Kaleke Kasome Foundation (KAKAF) carried out one of its most impactful community outreach events of the year — distributing 100 reusable sanitary pad kits to school-going girls across five primary and secondary schools in Mpigi District, Uganda.
Why This Outreach Was Critical
Period poverty is a silent barrier that keeps millions of girls across sub-Saharan Africa out of school. In Mpigi District, many families cannot afford commercial sanitary products, forcing girls to use ineffective, unhygienic alternatives — or worse, to simply stay home during their periods. A girl who misses 3–5 school days every month falls behind academically, loses confidence, and is at significantly higher risk of dropping out entirely.
According to UNICEF, 1 in 10 girls in sub-Saharan Africa misses school during her period. For many, this adds up to nearly 20% of the school year missed — a devastating academic disadvantage that compounds over time.
KAKAF's Solution: Locally Made, Sustainable Pads
What makes KAKAF's approach unique is that the pads distributed are not purchased from outside — they are handcrafted by our own Vocation Training graduates right here in Mpigi District. Women who completed our tailoring program used their newly acquired skills to produce high-quality, washable, and reusable sanitary pads that can last up to 18 months with proper care.
This creates a beautiful internal cycle of impact: our vocational training generates income for women while directly solving the menstrual health crisis for girls in the same community. Every pad is a product of a woman's skill, sewn with care for another woman's future.
The Ripple Effect
Each pad kit given to a girl keeps her in school for an average of 40+ additional school days per year. It also includes instructions for use, hygiene education materials, and a small zipper pouch for carrying. Many girls report that receiving the kit significantly boosted their self-confidence and willingness to participate in class.
Voices from the Ground
"I used to be so embarrassed at school during my period. I would just stay at home and tell my teachers I was sick. Now I have my pads and I never miss school anymore. My grades have gone up this term." — Prossy, P.6 student, Mpigi District
"As a teacher, I have seen first-hand how period poverty affects my female students. Some become withdrawn, fall behind, and eventually disappear from school entirely. What KAKAF is doing changes this reality immediately." — Teacher Mary, Mpigi Primary School
What Comes Next
This outreach is just the beginning. KAKAF has set a target of reaching 500 girls with menstrual hygiene kits by the end of 2025 through expanded outreach events, school partnerships, and an ongoing pad production program. We are also working to integrate hygiene education into our regular school visits.
To achieve this, we need continued support from our community of donors, partners, and volunteers. Every $10 donated funds one complete reusable pad kit that will serve a girl for over a year. With your help, we can ensure that no girl in Mpigi District misses a single day of school because of her period.
Help Us Reach 500 Girls
Just $10 covers one complete pad kit for a full year. Your gift keeps a girl in school.
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