A Community-Based Approach to Improving the Lives and Well-Being of Young Women in Rural Kenya: The Athi River Female Empowerment Program

Kenya is home to over 38 million people, with the 6th highest HIV prevalence rate in sub-Saharan Africa. Roughly 3 out of 5 HIV-infected Kenyans are female. HIV prevalence rates among women (ages 15-64) are 8.7% compared to men (ages 15-64) at 5.6%. This disparity is worse among youth; young women ages 15-24 are 4 times more likely to be HIV infected. Community assessment findings demonstrated that young women miss school when menstruating or engage in sexual acts with older men in exchange for money to purchase sanitary towels (maxi pads) so they could attend school. Over half of Kenyans live on less than $1/ day; many young women lack sanitary towel access. To address human rights and STI/HIV risk for vulnerable women, international partnership members developed an HIV prevention and reproductive health program designed to increase: a) feminine hygiene product access, b) self/community awareness, c) education/school attendance, and d) income-generating opportunities.The multi-session critical health education program combines Kenyan and US evidenced-based approaches with peer training, sanitary towel distribution, a health resource center, and school/community-based health fairs and awareness campaigns.In 2010, the program reached over 1100 young women, dispersing over 12,300 sanitary napkins. Decreases in school-based teasing and increases in school attendance, confidence in addressing one's reproductive health, and participant and community member involvement were reported. Tackling gender disparities is enriched with collaborative, multi-level approaches involving individuals, schools and key community sectors (including men/young boys). Additional programming on life skills, sanitary-towel creation, and income-generating projects are in progress.