Empowering Girls Through Hygiene: The Launch of the Reusable Sanitary Pads Department at Oyugis Integrated Project

In a bold and compassionate step towards empowering young girls and promoting gender equity in education, the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP) has officially launched a Reusable Sanitary Pads Department. This initiative seeks to break the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation, while offering a sustainable solution to a challenge that continues to affect thousands of girls in Kenya and beyond.

A Vision Rooted in Empowerment

For years, OIP has worked at the grassroots level to uplift communities affected by poverty, HIV/AIDS, and gender inequality. The introduction of the reusable sanitary pads department is yet another strategic intervention focused on long-term impact — helping school-going girls access menstrual hygiene products that are not only affordable but also environmentally friendly and durable.

These reusable pads, made from soft, absorbent, and washable fabric, can last up to two years, making them a cost-effective and sustainable solution for menstrual hygiene management.

The Struggle Girls Face

Menstrual poverty remains a silent crisis across rural Kenya. Many girls, particularly those from low-income families, simply cannot afford disposable sanitary towels. Instead, they resort to using rags, old clothes, leaves, or even newspapers — materials that are unhygienic and unsafe. The result is often recurring infections, embarrassment, and shame.

Worse still, the inability to manage their periods with dignity leads many girls to miss school. Studies indicate that some girls can miss up to four days of school each month due to lack of sanitary products. This chronic absenteeism eventually contributes to poor academic performance, low self-esteem, and in some cases, school dropout.

A Dark Reality: The Link Between Menstrual Poverty and Exploitation

Tragically, the desperation for menstrual products has driven some girls into exploitative relationships. In exchange for sanitary pads, girls may be coerced into transactional sex, exposing them to HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancies, and physical abuse. The OIP, which has long been involved in care and support for HIV/AIDS clients, recognizes the urgency of addressing this connection.

By providing reusable sanitary pads free of charge to the most vulnerable girls, this program not only restores their dignity but also removes the temptation and risk of such dangerous exchanges. It is a critical intervention in both girls’ education and HIV/AIDS prevention.

The Advantages of Reusable Sanitary Pads

The reusable sanitary pads distributed through OIP are designed with both practicality and dignity in mind. Their benefits include:

Cost-effectiveness: A single set can last up to 24 months, significantly reducing the financial burden on families.

Environmental sustainability: Unlike disposable pads, these do not contribute to waste and pollution.

Health and comfort: The pads are made from breathable, skin-friendly materials to minimize irritation and infections.

Privacy and discretion: The pads come with discreet storage pouches, allowing girls to carry and wash them without stigma.

Community Involvement and Skills Development

Beyond direct distribution, the department also trains young women in tailoring skills to make the pads themselves. This not only promotes local ownership but also empowers women with skills that can become a source of income. The integration of this component into the larger youth empowerment and women’s support programs under OIP creates a ripple effect of economic and social empowerment.

A Call to Action

As this initiative takes off, OIP is calling on well-wishers, donors, schools, and faith-based partners to support the effort. Whether through financial contributions, materials for pad production, or helping identify girls in need, everyone has a role to play in restoring dignity to menstruation and ensuring that no girl misses school because of her period.

The Reusable Sanitary Pads Department is more than a hygiene project — it is a movement of compassion, empowerment, and justice. Together, we can help break the cycle of menstrual poverty, protect young girls from exploitation, and keep them where they belong: in school, with their heads held high.

Shirikisho Dispensary Home-Based Care Program Kicks Off 2025 with Youth HIV Sensitization

 

As the new year begins, Shirikisho Dispensary's Home-Based Care (HBC) program has launched an ambitious HIV sensitization initiative targeting youths. This proactive approach comes in response to alarming statistics from 2024, which highlighted that Kenya has the seventh largest HIV burden globally. With 38% of all new adult HIV infections occurring among adolescents and young people aged 15–24 years, there is an urgent need for comprehensive awareness programs.

Recognizing that schools offer a strategic platform to reach young people effectively, the HBC team has focused its efforts on educational institutions. Schools provide an environment where young individuals can be engaged collectively, allowing for interactive sessions and discussions on HIV/AIDS prevention, transmission, and treatment.

The Need for Youth-Focused HIV Sensitization

Kenya's national progress towards the 95–95–95 targets—standing at 96–>98–97—is commendable. However, the high infection rates among young people remain a challenge. Data from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey show that adolescent girls are four times more likely to be infected than their male counterparts. Additionally, 15% of girls aged 15–19 years have ever been pregnant, indicating a pressing need to address sexual health education and safeguarding against abuse.

Implementation by Medical Experts

The sensitization program is being conducted by Shirikisho Dispensary's experienced medical staff, who possess in-depth knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Their expertise ensures that students receive accurate, science-based information about the virus, its transmission, prevention strategies, and the importance of early testing and treatment. Sessions are designed to be interactive, allowing students to ask questions and receive clarifications in a supportive environment.

Program Goals and Expected Impact

The primary goal of this initiative is to equip youths with critical knowledge about HIV/AIDS and ways to safeguard themselves against infection. Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of protecting young people from abuse, particularly in the context of sexual violence and exploitation, which are major contributors to the spread of HIV among adolescents.

Through these school-based sensitization sessions, Shirikisho Dispensary aims to foster a well-informed generation capable of making responsible health decisions. By addressing myths, misconceptions, and stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, the initiative seeks to empower youths to take charge of their health and contribute to a future free from new HIV infections.

Looking Ahead

As the program progresses throughout 2025, the Home-Based Care team plans to expand its outreach to more schools and youth-centered institutions. By collaborating with teachers, community leaders, and parents, the initiative will strengthen HIV prevention efforts and promote holistic youth well-being.

Through this timely and essential intervention, Shirikisho Dispensary reaffirms its commitment to improving public health and safeguarding the future of the community. With sustained efforts, education, and awareness, the vision of an HIV-free generation remains within reach.

Empowering Girls through Shirikisho Crafts: A Haven for Skills, Counseling, and Spiritual Growth

Shirikisho Crafts, a unique initiative under the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP), is transforming the lives of young women through skill acquisition, counseling, and spiritual guidance. This program is not only an avenue for vocational training but also a safe space where participants can address personal challenges and grow holistically.

Every Friday, the students gather for group counseling sessions and spiritual guidance, creating an environment of mutual support and collective healing. These sessions, led by experienced counselors and spiritual mentors, focus on promoting mental well-being, fostering resilience, and cultivating a sense of purpose. The group setting encourages open dialogue, allowing the girls to share experiences and learn from one another.

Beyond the group sessions, Shirikisho Crafts offers personalized one-on-one counseling available on any day of the week. This individualized approach ensures that every student receives the attention and care they need to navigate life’s challenges. Whether it’s emotional struggles, family issues, or personal growth goals, the program provides a listening ear and practical advice tailored to each individual’s situation.

At the heart of Shirikisho Crafts is a commitment to empowering girls with practical skills. The program trains young women in various crafts, such as tailoring, beadwork, and other creative arts. These skills not only provide a source of income but also instill confidence and independence in the participants. The crafts program is designed to foster entrepreneurship, encouraging students to explore ways of turning their newfound skills into sustainable livelihoods.

By investing in the holistic growth of these young women, Shirikisho Crafts is not just changing lives—it is creating a ripple effect of transformation that will benefit entire communities for generations to come.

Training of Home-Based Care Volunteers on Opportunistic Infections in HIV

 

On January 16, 2025, the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP) hosted a successful training session for home-based care volunteers at the OIP Social Hall. The training focused on equipping volunteers with the knowledge and skills to identify and manage opportunistic infections in HIV, particularly tuberculosis (TB) and herpes zoster (shingles).

Purpose of the Training

The training aimed to enhance the
capacity of volunteers to support individuals living with HIV/AIDS by providing essential health education, monitoring for signs of opportunistic infections, and assisting in the early identification and referral for treatment. Opportunistic infections remain a significant challenge for people living with HIV, and this initiative underscores the commitment of OIP to improve health outcomes in the community.

Key Highlights

Tuberculosis (TB) Session

The first session of the day was dedicated to tuberculosis, one of the most common and severe opportunistic infections among people living with HIV.

Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Session

The second session covered herpes zoster, a viral infection frequently seen in immunocompromised individuals

Looking Ahead

OIP plans to conduct regular training sessions to ensure volunteers stay informed about the evolving challenges in HIV care and management. Future sessions will cover other critical areas, such as antiretroviral therapy adherence, nutrition for people living with HIV, and mental health support.

Gratitude and Acknowledgment

OIP extends heartfelt gratitude to the trainers, volunteers, and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of this training. Their dedication and commitment to improving the lives of individuals living with HIV/AIDS continue to inspire and bring hope to the community.