The average literacy rate for Haitian females is 57%, leaving around 2.4 million women and girls in Haiti unable to read or write. Of those who do attend primary school, only 20% advance to secondary education. The reasons vary, yet evidence shows that school attendance and attainment for girls and young women are heavily influenced by their unique needs related to menstruation.
Global research shows that when girls complete school, maternal deaths decrease by two-thirds, infant mortality drops by more than 50%, early marriage decreases by two-thirds, and growth stunting from malnutrition is reduced sixfold. Educated women are also twice as likely to send their own children to school. Keeping girls in school is essential—for the students themselves, their future children, and their communities.
One organization, Days for Girls International (DfG), founded in 2007, is helping advance this goal by preparing and distributing sustainable menstrual health solutions to girls who would otherwise miss school during their monthly periods. As of 2025, more than 3.5 million women, girls, and people with periods across 145 countries have been reached.
In addition to providing sustainable, washable menstrual kits, DfG offers comprehensive health education. Menstruation stigma is being challenged by training leaders and engaging communities—including boys and men—to dispel myths and advocate for change. Sexual health and gender-based violence, which threaten young women’s agency, are addressed through age-appropriate and culturally appropriate methods. The mental health of those attending education sessions is also believed to be greatly improved.
St. Michael and All Angels in Mission is proud that, for the second time, kits and education were provided to the students of St. Paul’s in Haiti, a school supported by the parish’s outreach ministry. Five years ago, 75 kits were distributed. This time, 155 kits were sent—essentially enough for all of the school’s female students from 5th grade through high school.
On Friday April 17, 2026 Dani Jolivert, a DfG-trained young woman from Maison de Naissance (the birthing center), provided an afternoon of health and empowerment education and distributed the 155 kits, along with care instructions which allow each sustainable kit to last 5-10 years.
The kits were obtained from the Shawnee Chapter of Days for Girls, having been sewn and assembled by a team of volunteers. The total cost to ship the kits was approximately $1000, generously provided by donations from St. Michael and All Angels’ parishioners.
The church’s future goal is to keep up with new female students reaching 5th grade (as well as new refugees from violence-ridden Port-au-Prince) by sending 50–100 kits every 2–3 years. Anyone interested in learning more about the St. Michael and All Angels Haiti Ministry or becoming involved with a local chapter of DfG (no sewing skills required) can contact Lisa Welker at lisawelker123@gmail.com.
by Lisa Welker
835 SW Polk St.