Walk to End Period Poverty in Kenya, with NMC Multicultural Club
- Matt Hund
- Sep 19
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 24
On Saturday, October 11, the NMC Multicultural Club will hold "A Walk to End Period Poverty in Kenya" with a goal of raising $10,000 for 1,400 sanitary kits.
The walk begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, with a start and end location at NMC’s Boardman Lake Campus at 2200 Dendrinos Drive in Traverse City (the former NMC University Center building). Water and snacks will be provided; music, prizes and activity stops will add to the experience.
All funds raised go directly to provide sanitary pads, reproductive health education, clean water and sanitation facilities in Kenyan communities via a partnership between Kenyan organization PadMad and U.S. partner, the Michigan-based Uplift Travel (Utopia) Foundation.
How Can I Help?
Register to Walk | All ages are welcome to register online by Oct. 9 (the first 100 will receive a free backpack), or in person at the event. Each walker should have a goal to raise or contribute $25-100 or more in pledges from friends and family.
Sponsor a Walker | Pledge to give financial support to your favorite walker, either a lump sum for the event (suggested donations of $25-100 or more) or per mile walked (each walker is encouraged to walk at least four miles, the distance women and girls often walk to school or to fetch water in rural Kenya).
Share Their Stories | Learn more about PadMad from Founder Madhvi Dalal, as well as girls currently attending the Olkimitare School in rural Kenya, and help uplift their stories by sharing with your local networks.
More Info About Period Poverty
Period poverty is a complex issue driven by the intersection of economic, social and infrastructural challenges. In rural Kenya, these challenges are distinct and often more severe than in urban areas, deeply affecting the health, education and dignity of girls. One of the most prominent challenges is the cost of sanitary products, compounded by limited availability of products in local markets, forcing many to use makeshift alternatives (such as rags or leaves) or engage in transactional sex, which lead to severe health risks and unwanted pregnancies.
Furthermore, there is a severe deficit in menstrual health education. Many girls receive little to no information about menstruation prior to their first period. The topic is still considered a social taboo in many areas, which leads to a lack of knowledge and open communication leaving girls unprepared and contributing to school absenteeism and a higher school dropout rate.
For more info on this event, our fundraising efforts and period poverty read our FAQ below.
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