In 2022, undergraduate student, Emma McHugh, wanted to host an 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 as a whole. Upon her initial search into country-specific studies, she struggled to find enough substantial research that properly communicated the realities of menstruation. Instead of abandoning the project altogether, she was encouraged and supported by the Center for International Development and PLNU’s Honors program to directly ask questions and uncover the stories of the menstrual experience through a pilot research study. 

A Kenyan woman named Maureen Ocholah invited Emma to speak with women in her community in Kawangware - an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya. Hearing hundreds of testimonies about the lack of products, dignity, and education for periods, in addition to discovering the high frequency of young girls trading sex for pads motivated Emma to pursue research publication, find ways to increase access to period products in Kenya, and advocate for menstrual equity upon her return to PLNU. 

In 2023, the Center for International Development was able to support another student to join Emma and Maureen in expanding their research into tribal villages and rural communities in Kenya. Increased financial support also gave the team the opportunity to introduce the menstrual cup to interview participants - a product that has continued to receive positive feedback from the Kenyan women who use it. 

In 2024, the compilation of research, advocacy, and fundraising for menstrual products resulted in the formation of Akinyi - a research initiative through the Center for International Development dedicated to investing in the girl child by investigating the realities of menstruation. Emma and Maureen will be joined by current PLNU Honors Scholars, Aliya McCord and Arwen Martin, in Malawi and Eswatini to continue their research!