Zana Health Project Partner with The ZanaAfrica Foundation
We work to help young people develop Skills for the future
About the project
Context
The Nairobi-based organisation says its work is crucial because two in three girls in Kenya lack access to health education and menstrual pads. Topics such as puberty and reproductive health are considered taboo and are rarely discussed at home or in the classroom. The lack of menstrual products, combined with the stigma around menstruation, is having a huge impact on girls’ health and safety. It is estimated that one in five girls in Kenya aged 15 to 17 are pregnant or have had children. (UNESCO)
Approach
The ZanaAfrica Foundation delivers lessons in reproductive and life skills to girls in Kenya. Its curriculum improves girls’ self-belief and confidence, as well as teaching boys about respect and understanding.
Impact
With Theirworld’s support, the organisation will pilot a teacher-training programme with 50 teachers in 2023. In the longer term, ZanaAfrica will build on this pilot to expand their training to an additional 1,000 teachers in 2024 - ultimately reaching about 200,000 girls across rural and urban Kenya. It will also distribute menstrual kits to 10,000 girls across the country.
Gertrude’s story
When 15-year-old Getrude learned about gender stereotypes at her school in Kenya, she decided it was time to educate her family.
Her mother didn’t believe Getrude should play football with boys or that her brother should wash dishes because it was a “girls’ chore”.
Getrude said: “I sat my mum down to teach her. She read the lessons and changed her views. I want the whole world to know that girl empowerment is very good because girls can do what boys can do. Human rights are for everyone.”
Getrude’s lessons in reproductive health and life skills were delivered by ZanaAfrica.
She added: “When we empower a girl with a [menstrual] pad, she can come to school, study well, pass her exams and change her life and her family’s life.”
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