In 2022, I wanted to host an artistic installation demonstrating the menstrual experiences of individuals across the globe. The goal was to bring awareness to the issue of period poverty and break down stigmas surrounding menstruation. Upon my initial search into country-specific studies and analysis, I struggled to find enough substantial data that properly communicated the realities of menstruation. Instead of abandoning the project, I was encouraged by the Center for International Development at my University, Point Loma Nazarene, to go ask the questions and uncover the stories I wish were already available.

A Kenyan woman named Maureen Ocholah graciously invited me to speak with women in her community in Kawangware - an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya. The interviews began with some awkwardness, but quickly turned into extremely vulnerable and powerful talking circles of women who were sharing openly and listening to each others stories about menstruation and tangental topics. These focus groups were the first place I learned of the prominent amount of women and young girls who trade sex for pads when they have no other options. Hearing hundreds of testimonies about the how the lack of products, dignity, and education for periods directly impacts people livelihoods motivated me to keep investigating this topic and find ways to radically change these realities.

Through developing partnerships and maintaining deep connections with communities, NGOs, period product companies, churches, and other menstrual equity advocates, this work grew into the formation of Akinyi: an initiative committed to investigating the realities of menstruation to find ways to support dignified periods, globally.

In 2024, the CID at PLNU was able to assist in officially launching this initiative through the University, where it currently operates via crowdfunding and grant acquisition (read more about the story here).

I want to witness an end to period poverty globally and believe that properly understanding the realities of menstruation through empirical research that amplifies individual experiences is a foundational step toward this goal. We must invest in the girl child globally, listen to her story, and amplify it wherever we can. All life comes from menstruation, so it is about time we learned about her impact!

- Emma McHugh (founder of Akinyi)