International Charity Day: Join the '#Kindness Action' Campaign for Kenyan Girls

Making a Difference through Kindness

On September 5, a global call for charity will be echoed with the launch of the '#Kindness Action' campaign initiated by SHIFT80, a non-profit organization based in Japan. This campaign aims to deliver vital sanitary supplies to schoolgirls in Kenya, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. From International Charity Day to International Girls' Day on October 11, every social media post tagged with '#Kindness Action' will trigger the donation of one pack of sanitary pads to these girls, making it easy for everyone to join the cause simply via their social networks.

The Need for Change

The urgency of this campaign arises from compelling statistics. In 2018, a survey conducted by the parent company of SHIFT80 revealed a shocking reality: nearly 90% of schoolgirls in Kibera, one of Nairobi's largest slums, miss school during their menstrual cycles because they cannot afford sanitary products. This monthly absenteeism not only hinders their education but also leads to a cycle of decreased academic performance, limiting their opportunities for higher education and decent employment.

The data highlights a severe issue: the inability to afford as little as one dollar for sanitary products is robbing these girls of their educational opportunities. In response to this dire reality, the '#Kindness Action' campaign is designed not only to alleviate immediate needs but also to foster a culture of sharing and kindness that resonates far beyond Kenya’s borders.

Impact So Far

Since its inception, SHIFT80 has partnered with local schools and women's clinics, successfully distributing over 1.31 million sanitary pads to more than 8,000 girls. This initiative has led to a significant reduction in school absenteeism by 36 days per year among participating students. Moreover, a national survey reported by Nation indicates that about 40% of Kenyan women feel they cannot afford sanitary products, reinforcing that menstrual poverty is a pervasive national issue, not just localized to slums.

Calling for Participation

To maximize the impact of this initiative, SHIFT80 invites people worldwide to participate in '#Kindness Action' through social media. Participants can share stories or photos about kindness using the campaign hashtag. For each post, a package of 10 sanitary pads will be donated to a schoolgirl in Kenya, up to 3,000 packs, equivalent to 30,000 pads, being the cap for this campaign.

Supporting Education

In parallel with the '#Kindness Action' campaign, SHIFT80 is also recruiting monthly donors through their 'Hope Supporter' program, aimed at providing ongoing educational support to children in Kenya. This dual approach not only addresses immediate needs but also secures a sustainable foundation for future learning opportunities.

Changing Perspectives on Charity in Japan

Remarkably, Japan ranks 141st out of 142 countries in charitable behavior according to the latest 'World Giving Index 2024' by the Charities Aid Foundation. The report indicates that only 17% of Japanese people donated in the past month, a stark contrast to the international average of 35%. Through this campaign, SHIFT80 aims to transform the narrative around giving in Japan, encouraging citizens to feel empowered to make a difference through small acts of kindness.

A Message from Leadership

Migi Sakata, the executive director of SHIFT80, emphasizes the belief that even the smallest act of sharing can create significant change. A single, compassionate social media post can warm the hearts of people far away and support schoolgirls in Kenya in attending school during their menstrual periods. The hope is that this campaign creates a ripple effect of kindness, expanding the community that cares.

Get Involved

- Campaign Duration: September 5, 2025 - October 11, 2025.
- How to Participate: Post on your social media (Instagram, Twitter) with '#Kindness Action', sharing your experiences of kindness and compassion. Each post will lead to the donation of sanitary supplies to girls in need.
- Learn More: Visit our campaign website here.

Join us in making a difference! Together, we can reshape the future of education and health for girls in Kenya.