Ruth Mueni launches foundation to tackle menstrual poverty and expand education access

Kenyan entrepreneur and philanthropist Ruth Mueni has launched the Hopes, Dreams and Dignity (HDND) Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on tackling menstrual poverty, expanding access to education, promoting mental health and empowering vulnerable young people.

Speaking at the launch in Nairobi, Mueni said the foundation aims to address barriers that prevent girls and disadvantaged children from realizing their potential, arguing that investments in education and dignity are essential for Kenya’s long-term development.

“Our responsibility extends beyond personal achievement. We must become architects of hope within our communities by creating opportunities that empower others to thrive,” she said.

The foundation’s flagship initiative is a Menstrual Bank, designed to improve access to menstrual hygiene products for girls and women while supporting local manufacturing and youth employment.

Mueni said menstrual poverty continues to disrupt education for thousands of girls who miss school because they cannot afford sanitary products.

“We cannot speak about empowering girls while ignoring one of the most fundamental barriers to their education and dignity,” she noted, adding that the foundation plans to advocate for sanitary towel dispensers in schools, universities, workplaces and other public institutions.

Beyond menstrual health, the organization will provide education scholarships, mentorship, leadership training, entrepreneurship programmes and mental wellness support.

She said the foundation has supported hundreds of vulnerable girls with educational sponsorship over the past five years and mentored more than 700 girls and young volunteers across Kenya. She said the programme would be expanded to reach more children unable to attend school because of poverty.

“No child should be denied an education because of circumstances beyond their control,” she said.

Mueni also called for greater attention to mental health, saying rising levels of anxiety, depression and financial stress among young people require stronger support systems from employers, schools and families.

She urged young Kenyans to pursue entrepreneurship, volunteerism and community service while encouraging wider partnerships to address unemployment and inequality.

Speaking on the same, Prof. Nura Mohammed, Director General, Kenya School of Government said investing in young people and vulnerable communities remains critical to the country’s socio-economic development, adding that ethical leadership and collaboration are key to achieving sustainable progress.

Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) Chief Executive Dr. Ezekiel Mutua praised the foundation as a timely initiative that complements national efforts to empower girls and strengthen communities. He called on businesses, philanthropists and development partners to support programmes that expand access to education, mentorship and economic opportunities.

The launch brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders, faith leaders and development partners, who pledged greater collaboration to promote education, gender equality, mental wellness and youth empowerment.

The HDND Foundation said it aims to ensure that girls are not forced to miss school because of menstrual poverty and that disadvantaged children and young people have greater access to education, mentorship and opportunities for economic empowerment.