For many girls, football is more than just a sport. It is a source of confidence, friendship, discipline, and hope. Yet, for too many young female footballers, menstruation remains an invisible barrier that affects their ability to train, compete, and fully participate in the game they love.
In the lead-up to Global Menstrual Hygiene Day in May 2026, Purpose Sports Limited, in collaboration with Proactive Legends, Charity Begins at Home Initiative, and Tuungane CBO, launched the Binti Bingwa Pad Drive; a campaign dedicated to ensuring that no girl is forced to choose between managing her period and pursuing her passion for football. The campaign concluded on 4th July 2026, having reached five grassroots football communities across Kilifi County.
Throughout the campaign, the partners journeyed to Msumarini, Majajani, Mtomondoni, Tezo, and Kibarani, engaging 158 young female footballers in meaningful conversations on menstrual health and hygiene while distributing menstrual hygiene products to support their well-being and participation in sports.
The campaign went beyond distributing sanitary products. It created safe, supportive spaces where girls could openly discuss menstruation, ask questions without fear, and challenge the myths and stigma that often surround periods. These conversations reinforced an important message: menstruation is a natural part of life and should never prevent a girl from chasing her dreams or participating in sports.
The discussions revealed how deeply rooted misconceptions continue to influence girls’ participation in football.
“I have heard some female players say that they are not allowed to play during their menses because it makes them not score goals,” shared one of the participants, highlighting how misinformation continues to discourage girls from pursuing the sport they love.
Another young footballer reflected on how the sessions had transformed her understanding.
“Today I learned that menstruation is normal and it should never stop me from playing football. I now know how to take care of myself during my period, and I feel more confident to continue playing,” she said.
Many young athletes continue to face challenges such as limited access to menstrual products, inadequate information, and harmful cultural misconceptions that affect their confidence both on and off the field. By addressing these issues through education and practical support, the Binti Bingwa Pad Drive equipped girls with the knowledge and resources they need to manage their menstrual health with dignity.
Each participant also received menstrual hygiene products, helping reduce barriers that often lead to missed training sessions and matches while enabling them to remain healthy, confident, and active throughout their sporting journey.
The campaign also underscored the importance of involving men and boys in conversations around menstrual health. Speaking during one of the sessions, mentor Roscher Wilson encouraged men to become allies in promoting dignity and inclusion.
“As men, we should not shy away from menstrual hygiene conversations. When we understand menstruation and support girls instead of judging them, we help create safe environments where every girl feels respected, confident, and free to pursue her dreams—including on the football pitch,” he said.
Beyond the football pitch, the campaign reinforced a broader message about gender equality and inclusion in sports. Every girl deserves equal opportunities to participate, grow, and excel regardless of the challenges she faces. Investing in menstrual health is an investment in girls’ education, well-being, leadership, and future potential.
Speaking at the conclusion of the campaign, Janet Motah, Head of Programs and Strategic Communications at Tuungane CBO, expressed gratitude to all the organizations that made the initiative possible.
“We sincerely thank Purpose Sports for spearheading this noble annual Binti Bingwa Pad Drive, and we appreciate the collaboration of Proactive Legends and Charity Begins at Home Initiative in making this campaign a success. Supporting women and girls in sports through menstrual hygiene management goes far beyond providing sanitary products. It is about restoring dignity, breaking barriers, promoting gender equality, protecting girls’ health, and ensuring that period poverty never stands in the way of talent, education, or opportunity. We are creating an environment where every girl has the confidence and support to thrive both on and off the pitch.”
As the Binti Bingwa Pad Drive concludes, we celebrate not only the resilience and determination of the young footballers, but also the power of collaboration. When organizations unite around a shared vision, they create lasting change in communities.
The partnership between Purpose Sports, Proactive Legends, Charity Begins at Home Initiative, and Tuungane CBO demonstrates that advancing menstrual health is not simply about addressing an immediate need. It is about championing girls’ rights, promoting inclusion in sports, and building a future where every girl can participate with confidence, dignity, and pride.
Together for Prosperity!!