In 2019, a 14-year-old girl, Jackline Chepng'eno from Kabiangek in Bomet County, took her own life after being shamed by her teacher for soiling her skirt following her first period.
About
Our story
Many girls begin their periods without knowing what to expect or understanding what is happening. The silence, shame and taboo around menstruation keep period poverty going.
Catherine Mumo founded Nawiri Sisters Foundation that year to end it: the missing pads and the missing conversation. The team has since grown to more than twelve standing volunteers, each with a named role.
Nawiri is Swahili for flourish. We walk with girls as they find their voice, build their confidence and create brighter futures. When girls flourish, communities thrive.
Our promise. We create safe spaces, provide opportunity and support girls to thrive: in school, in health and in life.
How we work
The Dignity Triangle
The adolescent girl sits at the apex. One side is the institutions she is reached through: schools, churches, communities. The other side is the people who make it possible: donors, partners, volunteers. Inside sit the three things she receives: education, materials, skills.
Mission
To end period stigma among adolescent girls through mentorship, menstrual health products and education, with the support of volunteers, donors and partners.
Vision
To end period poverty and period stigma in Africa.
Team
Catherine and twelve standing volunteers
Each with a named role, and each here because no girl should be shamed for her period.
On the record
Registration
Nawiri Sisters Foundation is registered in Kenya.
Policies
How we keep girls safe
We work with minors in schools. Our child protection, photo consent and donor privacy policies are public, with a named safeguarding contact. Read the policies.
Walk with a girl this year
KES 200 a month keeps one girl in class. M-Pesa or card, one-off or monthly.