Our Story
Heels4Pads began out of a deep concern for the struggles of girls in Kenya facing period poverty, missing school due to a lack of menstrual products. Motivated to make a difference, on 13th May 2019, we started the Heels4Pads hashtag, which quickly gained momentum and turned into a national campaign. Within 10 days, our story was featured in the media, receiving support from public figures. We have shared our mission on platforms like NTV, KTN, Capital FM, NRG Radio, Homeboyz, CNBC, BBC Africa, and period magazines in the Netherlands.
Initially launched as a CSR campaign under Sister Speaks Global—a female-centric organization creating safe spaces for women—Heels4Pads is now an independent foundation. Our mission is to raise awareness of period poverty and its impact on girls’ and women’s development. Founded to mark Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28th, we highlight the issue of period poverty: the inability to access menstrual education and products.
As we celebrate our fifth anniversary on May 13th, 2024, we look back on our achievements. Over the past five years, we have empowered 24,273 girls and women with period products, education, and life skills mentorship across 103 schools and community groups in 19 counties in Kenya.
Looking ahead, we aim to ensure girls have access to menstrual products and education through automated pad dispensers in schools. Our successful pilot program in two schools, Benson Njau Primary School in Kiambu County and a school in Nairobi County, serves as a foundation for our plan to reach 50,000 girls in 200 schools over the next 5-10 years. Thank you for your continued support as we strive to end period poverty in Kenya.
Core Values
Dignity, Equality and Confidence -Our guiding principles
Objective
Innovate to distribute menstrual aids and education, destigmatizing menstruation in Kenya.
Mission
Use barter to combat period poverty, educate, and normalize menstrual health discussions.
Vision
Digitally amplify period poverty awareness, improve access to menstrual care, and advocate for equality.
Faces Behind Heels4Pads
Angela Waweru
Angela Wambui
Monica Muhoya
