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Breaking the Silence: Empowering Women and Girls in Nyakach to Eradicate Period Poverty
Date: 11-11-2023
In the heart of Nyakach, a vibrant village nestled in the scenic landscape of Kisumu County, a profound and unstoppable transformation is taking place. Women and girls are courageously confronting the harrowing challenges of period poverty, effectively reclaiming their dignity, and reshaping the destiny of their community. Fueled by unwavering determination, these remarkable individuals have emerged as the driving forces behind a powerful movement. This movement, initiated and led by the indomitable Seraphine Toms, the founder of the Great Daughters of Nyakach Women's Rights Organization (WRO), has catalyzed a wave of change in the lives of women and girls in Nyakach.
On September 30th, 2023, the Great Daughters of Nyakach WRO, in collaboration with the Tunza Dada School Mentorship program, organized an inspiring outreach event at Ndiru Secondary School in Nyakach. This event provided a platform for candid conversations on topics encompassing academic excellence, responsible living, and menstrual health hygiene. The shared experiences and knowledge exchanged during this gathering were pivotal in the ongoing battle against period poverty in Africa. Moreover, it served as a powerful reminder that change is possible and sustainable when communities unite for a common cause.
The members of the Great Daughters of Nyakach WRO have embarked on multifaceted approaches to eradicate period poverty in their community. Their holistic strategies encompass the following key initiatives:
• Embracing Sisterhood through Mutual Support Networks: The women of Nyakach have cultivated a strong sense of sisterhood, bolstering each other through the sharing of resources, knowledge, and personal experiences. This collective support amplifies their voices as they advocate for change and ensures that no woman or girl in Nyakach feels alone in their struggle against period poverty.
• Local Empowerment through Innovative Solutions: In recognition of the imperative for sustainable solutions, the women are in the early stages of an initiative to create their own menstrual hygiene products. They are currently in the process of mobilizing resources and seeking expert guidance on how to skillfully craft reusable menstrual pads using locally available materials. This endeavor is poised to foster self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability, while simultaneously addressing economic and ecological concerns. With unwavering determination, these resourceful women are in the planning stages of charting a path towards lasting change.
• Breaking the Stigma through Education: To dispel the pervasive stigma surrounding menstruation, the women have launched education campaigns within the community and schools. These workshops provide essential knowledge about menstrual health and hygiene. In addition to debunking misconceptions, these educational endeavors encourage open dialogue, empowering young girls to embrace their bodies without shame or fear.
• Advocacy and Policy Reform: Recognizing the need for systemic change, the Great Daughters of Nyakach WRO, under the dynamic leadership of Seraphine Toms, have actively engaged with local and county-level leaders, policymakers, and non-governmental organizations. Their concerted efforts are directed at prioritizing menstrual health on the community's agenda. By raising their collective voices, they are reshaping beliefs and fostering an environment conducive to sustainable change.
It is essential to acknowledge the groundbreaking nature of the women's movement in Nyakach against period poverty. Through sisterhood, innovative solutions, education, and advocacy, they have not only changed the narrative but are also actively empowering themselves and future generations. Together, we can amplify their voices and contribute to creating lasting change in Nyakach and beyond.
The impact of this movement extends beyond Nyakach's boundaries, serving as a powerful example of grassroots empowerment and community-driven change. By nurturing a spirit of resilience, collaboration, and determination, the women and girls of Nyakach have demonstrated that, with the right support and dedication, no challenge is unbeatable.
In conclusion, the Great Daughters of Nyakach WRO, led by Seraphine Toms, have kindled a beacon of hope in the fight against period poverty. Their efforts encompass an array of initiatives, each contributing to the overarching goal of breaking the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation while ensuring that women and girls have access to the incomes they require to cope up with their periods with courage. The journey towards ending period poverty is a collective endeavor, and with your support, we can magnify the impact of this movement, heralding a brighter, more equitable future for women and girls in Nyakach and beyond.
Seraphine, Founder of Great Daughters of Nyakach, giving a speech on academic excellence, responsible living, and menstrual health hygiene during the Tunza Dada mentorship in Ndiru secondary school in Nyakach
Great Daughters of Nyakach, Seraphine Toms giving a motivational speech to the students of Ndiru during the Tunza Dada mentorship sessions
Members attending the Tunza mentorship in Ndiru Secondary School in Nyakah. The Great Daughters of Nyakach well represented led by their founder Seraphine
Seraphine, Founder of Great Daughters of Nyakach interacting with the students during the Tunza Dada mentorship talk on academic excellence