Days for Girls and The Starbucks Foundation Support Thousands of Women in Ecuador and Kenya

Days for Girls International (DfG) is thrilled to announce two new grants awarded by The Starbucks Foundation to expand our menstrual health (MH) initiatives in Ecuador and Kenya. These generous grants will support 19,600 people in coffee and tea-growing communities, ensuring access to sustainable menstrual products, culturally relevant menstrual health education, and opportunities for economic advancement.

Supporting Communities in Loja, Ecuador
In Loja, Ecuador, DfG will implement an integrated MH project that will reach 3,100 women and girls, as well as 500 men and boys. This work will address the urgent need for menstrual health support in remote indigenous and rural communities, where economic hardship and educational barriers often leave those who menstruate to rely on non-purpose-made alternatives such as rags.

With support from The Starbucks Foundation, DfG will:

• Distribute DfG Kits containing washable pads, underwear, soap, and educational materials.
• Deliver culturally relevant MH education through our signature training programs—Ambassador of Women’s Health for women and girls, and Men Who Know for men and boys.
• Support the local Social Enterprise to produce and distribute the DfG Kits, strengthening the regional MH infrastructure.

The project will support women by promoting entrepreneurship and income generation, while helping to build a stronger market for washable MH products. It will also result in increased MH knowledge and confidence, reduced stigma, and improved gender equity in these communities.

Expanding Menstrual Health Access in Kenya
In Kenya, DfG will expand our existing programs to reach 15,000 women and girls and 1,000 men and boys in Kisii, Nyamira, Bomet, and Mt. Elgon. This two-year initiative addresses widespread MH challenges, including menstrual product accessibility and affordability, MH education gaps, and deeply rooted cultural stigma that often keeps menstruation shrouded in silence.

The Starbucks Foundation’s support will allow DfG to:

• Distribute DfG Kits.
• Provide education through our AWH and MWK training programs, covering key MH topics including hygiene, puberty, reproductive anatomy, menstrual tracking, and STI prevention.
• Promote inclusive MH policies and support Kenya Social Enterprises that create income-generating opportunities and bolster economic independence for local women.

This project aims to increase access to MH products and information, foster positive social norms, and build a more robust and equitable MH atmosphere across Kenya.

We are deeply grateful to The Starbucks Foundation for supporting women, girls, and communities and investing in menstrual equity. These grants will not only help meet urgent health needs but also elevate and scale sustainable, community-led solutions that unlock opportunity for generations to come.