Championing Equality, Empowering Women, and Breaking Barriers
Gloria Orwoba is not just a name; she embodies a dynamic force dedicated to transforming lives and reshaping societies. With an unwavering commitment to menstrual health, women's empowerment, and social equality, she stands at the forefront of the battle against period poverty and shaming, redefining the narrative around menstrual hygiene. One defining moment in Gloria's journey occurred when she experienced an accidental stain on her way to a Senate session. This incident ignited her passionate commitment to champion the campaign against 'Period Poverty' and 'Period Shaming.' Her advocacy bore fruit as the Kenyan government increased the 2023/2024 free sanitary budget from 260M to 940M.
Gloria's advocacy goes beyond legislation. She firmly believes in addressing the root causes of stigma surrounding menstruation through education and awareness, involving both men and women. Her vision is a society that values and supports all individuals, irrespective of their gender or reproductive status. .
Gloria Orwoba's ultimate vision is to create a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone has access to proper menstrual hygiene resources, and no one experiences period poverty or shaming.
Gloria Orwoba continues to lead the way, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of women in Kenya and beyond. Join her in building a world where individuals thrive with the resources and support, they need. Together, we pave the path to equality and empowerment.
Championing Equality,Empowering Women,and Breaking Barriers
Glo's Pad Bank initiative was founded by Gloria Orwoba, and is deeply committed to eradicating period poverty and putting an end to period shaming. Her primary goal is to ensure that no girl or woman faces barriers to achieving her dreams due to a lack of access to menstrual products. To achieve this, she has established a 20ft container as a central hub for pad donations, which will be thoughtfully distributed to school-going girls and vulnerable women across the country.
Gloria is dedicated to stopping the stigma around Menstruation through awareness and education. Glo's Pad Bank strives to make a profound impact by empowering girls and women, breaking down barriers, and creating a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Gloria Orwoba is actively working towards setting up a local Nonprofit Sanitary Pads factory in Kenya with an aim to create jobs for women in vulnerable communities while ultimately providing access to affordable, high-quality, eco-friendly sanitary pads to all girls in schools and prisons.
Championing Equality,Empowering Women,and Breaking Barriers
In Kenya, a groundbreaking initiative is taking shape – Nurturing the Flow: Africa's first Menstruation Museum.
This visionary project, conceived by Gloria Orwoba, is a powerful exploration of Kenya's menstrual landscape. It goes beyond education; it's a rallying call to create awareness about menstrual issues, put an end to period poverty, and eliminate period shaming. What makes this endeavour even more remarkable is that it will serve as Africa's first Menstruation Museum.
From Cultural Reverence to Contemporary Realities. Commencing with a mesmerizing journey into the traditional practices surrounding menstruation, the exhibit showcases how indigenous societies revered this natural process as a sacred part of culture. It presents artifacts, photographs, and stories that unveil the rich tapestry of menstrual traditions. Moving forward in time, the exhibit shares the stories of women and girls facing challenges such as limited access to hygiene products and societal stigma.
Gloria Orwoba's vision for the museum is to educate the society about menstruation, raise voices against period poverty and period shaming. The exhibit engages visitors through interactive displays, discussions, and workshops, igniting essential conversations. By spotlighting these issues, it empowers women and girls and serves as a platform for advocacy and collaboration with organizations and government agencies. It's a step toward creating an inclusive society that celebrates Kenya's cultural identity while addressing pressing challenges.
This is not just an exhibit; it's a dynamic movement to change lives and society. It contributes to the preservation of Kenya's cultural heritage, educates future generations, empowers women and girls, and advocates for sustainable solutions to period poverty. This transformative journey nurtures the flow of progress, equality, and cultural appreciation in Kenya, where lasting change is achieved.
Championing Equality,Empowering Women,and Breaking Barriers
The Period Summit is an annual event that brings together students aged twelve to fourteen, fostering a spirit of healthy competition and learning. This unique gathering focuses on a wide range of activities, including dance, music, public speaking, innovation, entrepreneurial ideas, and research projects. What sets the Period Summit apart is its central theme: menstruation.
At the Period Summit, young minds are provided with a platform to explore, learn, and compete while focusing on menstrual-related topics. This initiative not only encourages creativity and innovation but also promotes awareness and education about menstruation among the younger generation. It's an empowering space where students can discover their potential and engage in discussions that were once considered taboo.
The Period Summit is more than just a competition; it's an opportunity to shape the future. By engaging students in activities related to menstruation, it breaks down barriers, challenges stigma, and paves the way for a more informed and inclusive society. Gloria's commitment to this initiative highlights her dedication to menstrual health and education, ensuring that the voices of young students are heard and that they become advocates for change.
Championing Equality,Empowering Women,and Breaking Barriers
'Uji Ya Glo' loosely translates to 'Glo's porridge'. Gloria Orwoba takes pride in the mission to nourish the future, one student at a time. This Nutrition Program is a testament to her commitment to the well-being of her community. She provides over 1200 students with a nutritious cup of uji (porridge) and bread three times a week throughout the school terms.
She believes in making a meaningful impact hence the close monitoring of the program, actively seeking feedback from both students and teachers to ensure it aligns with the specific needs of the community.
This initiative plays a vital role in not only improving the health of the students but also ensuring they stay in school.
Beneficiaries of the Uji ya Glo Program
'Soma Na Glo' is a Swahili phrase that translates to 'Study with Glo’. At Soma na Glo, Gloria's mission is to reshape the educational landscape by addressing school congestion and ensuring students from underserved backgrounds receive a top-tier education. In its pioneering phase, the program has achieved remarkable progress, seamlessly relocating over 60 students from various schools in Dagoreti North Constituency to the welcoming environment of Kileleshwa Primary School in Nairobi.
Gloria's vision at Soma na Glo is to bridge this educational disparity. She provides comprehensive support, including transportation, uniforms, admission fees, and essential desks, making the transition comfortable. The initiative equips these students for a successful educational journey, offering them a chance at a brighter and more promising future.
Photos of Gloria Orwoba with the first Beneficiaries of the soma na Glo program
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