1 in 10 girls in sub-Saharan Africa misses school because of her period.
This statistic represents more than numbers. It reflects lost potential, disrupted dreams, and a cycle of inequality that affects generations.
At the Solara Initiative, we’ve witnessed how period poverty affects young girls. In some communities, girls use rags, leaves, or old clothes during their periods. Many drop out of school entirely because of stigma or lack of access to basic menstrual products.
When we visited Bulamajji Community Secondary School, the stories were the same. A young girl shared how she avoided school for a week every month. Her classmates were advancing while she struggled to keep up. Her story is the reality for millions of girls.
Solara Initiative was created to change these stories. We provide menstrual products, teach reusable pad-making skills, and start conversations about menstrual health. We aim to ensure no girl has to choose between education and her biology.
Period poverty is deeply tied to gender inequality and climate inaction. By promoting sustainable practices and advocating for policy change, we empower communities to address these interconnected challenges.
When menstrual health becomes a priority, girls stay in school, communities grow stronger, and future generations thrive.
