Sarah Akinyi

Kenya

My name is Sarah Akinyi, a 23-year-old, and I stand at 5 feet 6 inches tall. I am a graduate of Strathmore University with a Diploma in Business Management. I have also completed a one-year Full-stack Software Development program from ALX, and I’m currently enrolled to start a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Computer Technology at the United States International University-Africa.

Additionally, I am the founder of a community and online support group called Mindful Voices, where we advocate for positive mental health and spiritual growth through Bible study.

My project; ProudlyGirlie, is about ending period poverty and breaking the stigma around menstruation. According to UNESCO, 1 in 10 girls miss school during their menstrual cycle due to their inability to afford or access the necessary hygiene products. In some areas, the number goes up to 60%. This deplorable predicament increases the risks of health complications for the young girls, early marriages, and schools dropouts.

Through ProudlyGirlie, I educate and raise awareness about period poverty by providing menstrual hygiene information enabling women and girls navigate their menstrual cycles with dignity. Additionally, through the project I endeavor to find sustainable solutions to help improve access to feminine hygiene products. proudlyGirlie is a project that means a lot to me, because no one should miss out on opportunities or face shame because of their menstrual cycle.