By Rehema Yahaya, NivalishePad Initiative
Gender justice is not just a vision, it is a call to action. At NivalishePad Initiative, we are committed to breaking systemic barriers that hinder women and girls from accessing equal opportunities in education, employment, and leadership. Through policy advocacy, economic empowerment, and menstrual health equity, we strive to create an inclusive society where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a lived reality.
One of our core areas of work is policy advocacy. We push for legislative and institutional changes that promote gender equality, focusing on menstrual health management, sexual and reproductive rights, and economic inclusion. By engaging key stakeholders, including government bodies and civil society organizations, we ensure that gender-responsive policies are not only implemented but sustained. Our advocacy efforts have contributed to the implementation of the Menstrual Hygiene Management Policy (2019-2030), a critical framework guiding menstrual health interventions in Kenya. Additionally, our organization played a significant role in the review of the proposed E-Health Act, now the Digital Health Bill. We worked tirelessly to ensure that the needs and perspectives of our community, particularly young women, were adequately represented in the final legislation. These efforts are crucial in shaping policies that prioritize gender equity in health services.
Economic empowerment is a fundamental pillar of our work. Many young women struggle to achieve financial independence due to limited access to resources, training, and opportunities. At NivalishePad Initiative, we equip young women with entrepreneurship and digital marketing skills, mentorship, and access to funding to help them break free from economic vulnerability.
Through our targeted training programs:
- 30 young mothers have gained entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills.
- 10 new businesses have been successfully launched.
- Two existing enterprises have scaled up, creating economic stability for more women.
By fostering financial independence, we empower women to support their families, invest in their futures, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Menstrual health equity remains at the heart of our mission. Access to affordable and sustainable menstrual products is essential for the dignity, well-being, and education of adolescent girls and young women.
- Our initiative has reached over 10,000 adolescent girls in Nairobi with menstrual hygiene education and dignity kits, ensuring that period poverty does not disrupt their education.
- In a groundbreaking move, we launched the first-ever pad bank in Mukuru kwa Njenga, significantly improving access to menstrual products for underserved communities.
- By breaking the silence around menstruation and dismantling period stigma, we are fostering an environment where girls and young women can embrace their cycles with confidence and dignity.
Like many grassroots organizations, resource mobilization has been a significant challenge. However, through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and advocacy, we continue to push boundaries and expand our reach. The impact of our work is evident in the positive changes seen in communities, the growing support for gender-inclusive policies, and the increasing number of young women stepping into leadership roles.
The journey toward gender justice is far from over, but with collective action and unwavering commitment, we can build a future where women and girls are empowered to lead, thrive, and break barriers. At NivalishePad Initiative, we remain steadfast in our mission to champion gender justice, one policy, one girl, and one empowered woman at a time.
