Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) has today announced a new commitment to support 100,000 schoolgirls across Kenya with sustainable menstrual health products and hygiene education by 2030, during the launch of the second phase of its #AchieveMoreGirl initiative.
The announcement was made by DTB Group Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Nasim Devji, during a distribution drive at Sinaga Girls Secondary School in Siaya County, where 1,500 girls from the school and other learning institutions received the reusable menstrual hygiene kits – a symbolic moment that also marked the fulfilment of the Bank’s earlier commitment made in the year 2020 to support 30,000 girls by 2025.
The DTB #AchieveMoreGirl initiative is a flagship multi-year programme which aims to empower schoolgirls across the country by providing sustainable menstrual health kits and hygiene education to support continued access to education. The programme addresses challenges faced by vulnerable girls in marginalised communities with limited access to menstrual health products.
Speaking at the distribution drive, Ms. Devji noted that: “We launched the #AchieveMoreGirl initiative in 2020 and since then we have been able to reach 30,000 girls across 22 counties countrywide. This 5-year exercise exposed us to the level of need that still exists in our society when it comes to Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), particularly for marginalised young girls and women”
She added that: “The level of need across vulnerable communities in Kenya has necessitated a further commitment from us to reach 100,000 girls by 2030. Our goal is supporting access to education for many school-going girls, with the aim of improving their education outcomes. We will continue to work with like-minded partners and county governments to ensure we reach the most deserving communities.”
Since the launch of the #AchieveMoreGirl initiative in 2020, the programme has benefited 30,000 schoolgirls from 120 schools across 22 counties in Kenya. This has been achieved through strategic partnerships with various organisations, community groups and county governments. The programme addresses both access and stigma, helping reduce school absenteeism and build dignity and confidence among adolescent girls. The initiative also includes training workshops to teach both women and men how to produce reusable menstrual products.
“The #AchieveMoreGirl initiative is about ensuring that no girl is left behind simply because of her period. When DTB removes barriers to education, we unlock potential, and we are proud of the impact we have made so far and even more committed to the journey ahead.” Ms. Devji concluded.
The #AchieveMoreGirl initiative is aligned to DTB’s Sustainability and Citizenship master plan and adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) no.3, 4 and 5 on good health and wellbeing, quality education and gender equality.
