DGYG Reusable Pads Initiative

The DGYG Pads Project is a transformative initiative rooted in the heart of Nyalenda, combining climate action, menstrual health, and women's economic empowerment. Supported by Slum Dwellers International – Kenya and Muungano wa Wanavijiji, the project trains young women and girls to produce high-quality, eco-friendly reusable sanitary pads using locally available, sustainable materials.

Our Triple Impact Approach

Environmental Sustainability

By reducing dependency on single-use pads, the project significantly cuts down on non-biodegradable waste, contributing to climate resilience at the grassroots level.

Menstrual Health

We provide education on menstrual hygiene and reproductive health while ensuring access to safe, affordable, and eco-friendly menstrual products for all girls and women.

Economic Empowerment

The initiative equips young women with entrepreneurial skills and income-generating opportunities — allowing them to support their families while advancing menstrual equity.

0 Girls Trained
0 Pads Produced
0 Peer Educators
0 Schools Reached

Project Overview

This initiative tackles the triple challenge of menstrual stigma, economic exclusion, and environmental degradation. By reducing dependency on single-use pads, the project significantly cuts down on non-biodegradable waste, contributing to climate resilience at the grassroots level.

At the same time, it equips young women with entrepreneurial skills and income-generating opportunities — allowing them to support their families while advancing menstrual equity in their communities.

Since its inception, the project has directly trained over 300 girls and young women in pad-making, business skills, and menstrual hygiene education. Many of these trainees have gone on to become peer educators, further multiplying the impact by reaching hundreds more through school outreach programs, community dialogues, and local women's groups.

Women in training workshop

How Our Reusable Pads Are Made

Materials Collection

Sourcing sustainable, locally available materials including cotton fabric, waterproof backing, and absorbent layers

Cutting & Design

Precise cutting of patterns and designs for comfortable, leak-proof pads in various sizes

Assembly

Skilled sewing and assembly of multiple layers to create durable, washable pads

Quality Control

Rigorous testing for absorbency, comfort, and durability before distribution

Our Impact

Environmental Impact

Our reusable pads significantly reduce environmental waste. A single reusable pad can replace up to 120 disposable pads over its lifetime, dramatically reducing non-biodegradable waste in landfills and waterways.

  • Reduced plastic waste from disposable pad packaging
  • Decreased carbon footprint from manufacturing and transportation
  • Promotion of sustainable consumption patterns
  • Education on environmental conservation and climate action

Social Impact

These numbers are not just statistics — they represent girls who no longer miss school because of their periods, young women who are now earning an income, and communities that are gradually shifting away from stigma and silence around menstruation.

  • Improved school attendance for girls during menstruation
  • Reduced stigma and taboos around menstruation
  • Enhanced dignity and confidence for women and girls
  • Increased knowledge about sexual and reproductive health
  • Economic opportunities for women in the community
Community Impact

SRHR Education & Advocacy

Through community workshops, school outreach, and youth-led advocacy, the DGYG Pads Project sparks open conversations around sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), helping to dismantle harmful taboos and promote body autonomy. It's more than just making pads — it's about building power, dignity, and sustainable futures.

School Outreach

Regular visits to schools to provide menstrual health education, distribute reusable pads, and train teachers as menstrual health champions.

Community Workshops

Interactive sessions with community members to address menstrual stigma, promote gender equality, and encourage male involvement in supporting menstrual health.

Youth-Led Advocacy

Empowering young people to become advocates for menstrual equity, comprehensive sexuality education, and climate action in their communities.

Support Our Reusable Pads Initiative

Help us expand our impact by supporting the production and distribution of eco-friendly reusable pads, training more women, and reaching more schools and communities.

Volunteer Donate