Renowned Kenyan comedian Dem wa Facebook is leveraging her influence to make a positive impact beyond the entertainment industry. On February 10, she visited Ndithini High School in Makuyu, where she donated sanitary towels and engaged students in an enlightening discussion about menstrual hygiene, talent development, and entrepreneurship.
Addressing Period Poverty Through Personal Experience
Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, Dem wa Facebook shared how her personal experiences inspired her mission. Growing up in a humble village, she faced the challenges of period poverty, which disrupted her education and confidence.
“Growing up from a humble background, I know all too well the struggles of period poverty,” she said. “Many times, my school days were cut short simply because we couldn’t afford sanitary products. No girl should have to miss school or feel ashamed because of menstruation. This is why I’m passionate about this cause.”
Dem wa Facebook emphasized that her advocacy aims to ensure no young girl has to go through what she experienced, stressing the importance of access to menstrual hygiene products as a fundamental right.
Fighting Period Poverty and Breaking Stigma
The comedian has made it her mission to eliminate period poverty and dismantle the stigma surrounding menstruation. Her initiative, which seeks to supply over 10,000 sanitary towels to girls in schools, orphanages, and informal settlements, goes beyond donations. It also fosters open conversations about menstrual health to create a society where menstruation is normalized and celebrated.
“Our goal is to end period poverty and period shame while creating a society where menstrual hygiene is prioritized,” she stated. “More than just providing products, we’re here to spark change, inspire confidence, and empower girls to embrace their natural biological processes.”
Educating and Empowering Young Girls
During her visit, Dem wa Facebook not only distributed sanitary towels but also took the opportunity to educate the students on proper menstrual hygiene. She highlighted the importance of maintaining cleanliness during menstruation and reassured the girls that menstruation is a natural and beautiful part of life.
Her advocacy extends beyond schools, as she plans to reach out to marginalized communities such as orphanages and street families. In the long term, she hopes to provide girls with enough sanitary towels to last an entire school term, ensuring uninterrupted education.
A Call for Collective Action
Dem wa Facebook acknowledged that eradicating period poverty requires collective effort. She called on corporate organizations, government bodies, and well-wishers to support the cause through funding, product donations, and awareness campaigns.
“It’s not just about donations,” she said. “We need to break the silence and dismantle the stigma surrounding menstruation. Every girl deserves the dignity and confidence to thrive, regardless of her circumstances.”
Inspiring Change
Dem wa Facebook’s initiative has been met with widespread praise and support, with many lauding her for using her platform to address an issue that affects millions of girls in Kenya. Through her efforts, she is not only providing essential products but also inspiring a generation of young women to embrace their identities and pursue their dreams with confidence.
Her vision of a “period-proud society” is a step toward achieving gender equality and ensuring that no girl’s education is disrupted by a lack of access to basic menstrual hygiene products.
