Days for Girls

Days for Girls - Every Girl. Everywhere. Period.

Model and Strategy

DfG is currently focusing on expanding enterprise programs and hygiene education. Enterprise programs currently operate under 2 models: (1) Centers, and (2) Micro-Enterprises. Centers serve as production hubs. They have more equipment and often make more Kits for large partners, including NGOs, schools, or health clinics. Micro-Enterprises are small businesses and serve one community with a focus on last mile distribution. Micro-Enterprises receive Kit materials from Centers. Both Centers and Micro-Enterprises have the goal of selling Kits at a price point affordable for their markets. Kits are offered in different iterations (including full Kits, half Kits, and starter Kits) to give women the option of being able to purchase something within their price range, and to add more components as they save money. Because the DfG Kits last 2-4 years, women have plenty of time to add components.

Impact

If girls and women are empowered with health education, menstrual hygiene resources, and local leadership opportunities, then they will have greater efficacy to achieve their full potential, leading to advancement for their entire family and community.

If girls are given a safe and informative place to learn about menstrual hygiene management (MHM), then they feel more dignified, and gain the confidence and reduce the silence and shame often associated with having a period.

If girls and women are given high quality feminine hygiene Kits, then they will not miss school or work due to fear of leakage or embarrassment.

If girls and women learn to sew their own Kits, become health educators and are supported in business practices, then they will have a way to make their own products and sell them to generate income for themselves and their families.

If girls and women have a place to talk about MHM, then they can carry that conversation into other more sensitive topics such as HIV/AIDS.

There is a growing body of research to support the importance and impact of MHM options. A 2016 Oxford study stated that at least half the populations sampled in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East lacked adequate protection. Studies in Ethiopia, Ghana, Bangladesh, and Kenya have all reported menstruation poses a significant barrier to girls' education (Tegegne, 2014; Montgomery, 2012; WaterAid, 2014; UNESCO, 2014). Days for Girls Kits have shown to dramatically decrease absentee rates among girls in rural areas of Kenya and Uganda, from 25% to 3% and 36% to 8% respectively.

Leadership

  • Celeste

    Celeste Mergens

    Founder