A project born in the love, compassion, and desire to protect and provide hygiene products and resources to girls in Kenya
Before the onset of COVID, both the government and NGOs had programs in place to provide sanitary supplies to girls and women in need. However, as the pandemic persisted, these initiatives were halted, leaving many to grapple with this essential requirement. By September 2020, the consequences became glaringly apparent when over 120,000 school-aged girls became pregnant. The availability of sanitary supplies remains a crucial and unmet need, profoundly impacting the lives of these girls.
Lacking access to essential sanitary supplies and the financial means to procure them, these girls are put at an increased risk. The societal pressures of embarrassment, shame, and the potential for ridicule compel them to avoid school during their menstrual cycle, deepening their vulnerability, especially when alone at home. Misconceptions about sex and a fundamental lack of awareness about its risks compound the issue, leading some to trade sexual favors for necessary sanitary items.
In Kenya, prevailing cultural norms further erode the autonomy of young girls, as they’re often seen not as individuals with rights but as those expected to yield to demands.
Disturbingly, these cumulative factors have led to hundreds of thousands of school-aged girls, including those as young as 12, falling pregnant. This tragedy has shattered the aspirations and hopes of many promising girls, pushing them into despair and diminishing their dreams of a brighter future.
After reopening their church in Nairobi, Kenya post-COVID, Susan and Robert Owade were approached by numerous women and girls facing a critical need for sanitary supplies. Deeply moved, Susan devised a design for a washable, reusable sanitary pad. She relayed the issue to Pam Clark, her mission work partner since 2006. Together, Susan and Pam launched the POD Project on September 26, 2020, introducing sewing classes at the Owade’s church.
Equipped with sewing machines, materials, supplies, and a dedicated trainer, these sessions not only addressed the sanitary concerns but also empowered participants with a valuable skill, benefitting both individuals and the wider community.
Since its inception, the Protecting Our Daughters (POD) project has provided 72,722 washable, reusable pads to 36,361 girls across 152 schools, 68 girls’ centers, and 17 tribal gatherings. Through the project, 10,300 girls have found faith, with the support of 4,350 Bibles distributed to nurture their spiritual growth.
Pam regularly leads teams of women and men to Kenya, visiting multiple locations that benefit from POD’s support. On these trips, the teams address critical challenges faced by girls and boys, such as early sexual activity, early marriage, sexual abuse, harassment, rape, rejection, betrayal, and menstruation. Engaging with thousands of girls over multiple days, their goal is to foster open dialogue and provide factual insights on these significant issues. During each visit, the teams also distribute essential supplies, including pads and underwear, as well as helpful information and resources to both girls and boys. The team also facilitates seminars on communication, conflict resolution, and relevant topics at the Owade’s church, Abundant Love Mission Church.
The team celebrates the achievements of women graduating from the sewing course. Pam and Susan are currently planning an extension to the sewing program to help graduates earn their own sewing machines and thus support their goals to launch their own businesses. Additional washable sanitary pads will be sewn for distribution throughout Kenya with the POD Mission Project.
Owing to the project’s success, POD team to returns annually, expanding their sessions. Pam and Susan continue to develop the scope of this mission project.
Donate and help support the girls in Kenya.
A packet includes two washable, reusable pads and one pair of quality underwear
Any donation amount is greatly appreciated! The cost per person of going to Kenya for 10-14 days is approximately $3,000.
Donations processed through the North Coast Church website.
The focus or purpose of the POD Project mission trips is to visit schools and girls centers, providing washable, reusable sanitary pads as well as speaking on topics that we have been asked by the schools to speak on from the basis of God’s love for them.
You can expect a 2- to 3-hour drive each way daily, followed by approximately two hours of speaking before returning to the retreat center. Each team member participates in these speaking engagements, sharing their testimony in a relatable way with both girls and boys.
The EXTRAordinary podcast highlights ordinary people who possess that EXTRA— a supernatural difference that only Jesus can provide. In each episode, listeners hear amazing stories and valuable insights shaped by the impact of Jesus in the guests’ lives, along with some humorous anecdotes. The host shares that getting to know these inspiring and endearing guests through their stories has been a rewarding experience, one that listeners are sure to enjoy as well. Pam Clark was recently featured as a guest, sharing her journey and the mission behind Protecting Our Daughters.
A project born in the love, compassion, and desire to protect and provide hygiene products and resources to girls in Kenya.
Fill out the form below, and we’ll be in touch.