Padded Initiative: Here are the CBD shops that offer free emergency menstrual pads to women in need

Menstruation has long been associated with stigma, from our rural areas to our 'woke' urban centres. These may vary from physical issues such as a potential lack of access to sanitation to verbal shaming of women as 'dirty' or 'unclean'.

In Nakuru, a group of friends have implemented an initiative to help women with their menstrual needs. The concept was inspired by observing a bookstore's initiative to provide sanitary pads to women during menstrual emergencies, something that was previously unheard of in Nakuru.

'Padded' aims to help women overcome some of the challenges associated with menstrual emergencies, such as shame, stigma, lack of access to sanitary products, cost of sanitary products and disruption of planned programmes.

"My friends and I came up with the idea after seeing a similar one being implemented elsewhere and thought there was a gap that needed to be filled in Nakuru to help women manage their menstrual emergencies. We then decided to map out some of the shops we could set up and came to the conclusion that our target shops needed to be run by women because women, unlike men, are more open to talking to their fellow women," said Gregory Onyango aka 'Mbunge Aliyepara'.

MtaaWangu visited various shops designated as pick-up points to confirm the initiative's effectiveness in dealing with a menstrual emergency.

We found two of the pick-up points, run by women. We proceeded to inquire if we could get sanitary towels, and we were given two free towels at each shop. 

Mbunge notes that the sole purpose of the initiative is to address emergencies, help in cases where cost is a challenge, and allow women to go about their business without abandoning it altogether.

"Periods come with many challenges, including the cost of sanitary towels, disruption to schedules and even period shame, so the purpose of the initiative is to provide women with a solution in an emergency that allows them to cover the shame and continue with their planned schedules. When they visit our pick-up points, they are given two sanitary pads for free," he added.

Judy Jelagat describes the initiative as transformative for women, providing support and restoring their confidence to cope with menstrual emergencies.

Some of the stores listed are BTz Classics; Baraka Plaza Basement (B2), Mystic Venus/ Booked: Nema Plaza and Kikwetu; Shawmut Plaza (4th floor).