As our chosen project and charity for MTM’s 10th Anniversary we launched Period Poverty Action Projects by MTM – to create awareness, support communities, and provide sanitary towels for deprived communities. To kick-start this campaign we organised CUT – A –THON, a 24-hour hair marathon at 4 venues including one in Nairobi Kenya at 10 am UK time on July 4th and finished on Monday, July 5th, 2021. In December 2021 our partners in Kenya Huris Foundation distributed our first collection of sanitary pads and girls’ pants to schools in Siu, Faza, Kizingitini, and Pate all on Lamu Island.
Why Period Poverty? Period poverty affects women and girls all over the world. Access to sanitary products, safe, hygienic spaces in which to use them, and the right to manage menstruation without shame or stigma, is essential for anyone who menstruates. But for many, this is not a reality. This is not just a potential health risk – it can also mean women and girls’ education, well-being, and sometimes entire lives are affected.
Stigma There is a huge stigma and lack of understanding around menstruation. This stigma exists even in cases or communities where poverty is not an issue. In cases where poverty does place challenges on menstruation, period shaming only further exacerbates the issue.
Huris Foundation The chair of the foundation Ms. Maryam Abubakar inspired our founder with her own experience growing up as a young girl after the death of her mother. The foundation connects with girls and uses the opportunity to teach them about puberty, hygiene, gender-based violence, and how to remain healthy over the duration of your period.
Consignment 2 On the 30th of May 2022, we despatched our second consignment to Lamu. This was seen by the former Mayors of Yate Town Council, Cllr Karl Tomasin, a good friend of MTM Awards and Cllr. Karl Alan Monaghan , the director of Kisaf Cargo London, Mohamed Ali Salim, and Junior Sheikh Executive Director MTM Awards. A big thank you to Taslim Huseinbhai Brand Ambassador of Period Poverty Action Projects.
Why Lamu? Lamu Island is separated from mainland Kenya by just a narrow channel of water, but in every other respect, it is far, far removed from there. Approachable only by plane or boat – there are no roads or cars on the island – Lamu feels unbelievably remote and is one of the poor areas of Kenya.
Donations Donation boxes to donate sanitary pads and female underwear are placed at various locations in Swindon, South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Bradford, Coventry, London, Gloucester, & Nairobi Kenya.
There is more the one way to support PPAP – Donate on our Just Giving Page: https://www.justgiving.com/
