Ruth Mueni Launches Hopes, Dreams and Dignity Foundation to Tackle Menstrual Poverty and Empower Vulnerable Youth
By Editorial Team
NAIROBI, July 13, 2026 — Business leader and philanthropist Ruth Mueni has launched the Hopes, Dreams and Dignity (HDND) Foundation, unveiling an ambitious initiative aimed at ending menstrual poverty, expanding access to education, promoting mental wellness and equipping young people with the skills and opportunities needed to transform their lives.
The foundation, launched at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi, seeks to address some of Kenya’s most pressing social challenges by supporting vulnerable girls and young people through education sponsorships, mentorship, leadership development and entrepreneurship programmes. It also plans to champion gender equality while advocating for improved access to menstrual hygiene products across the country.
The launch attracted senior government officials, diplomats, development partners, corporate leaders, faith leaders and youth representatives, highlighting growing support for initiatives that place young people and vulnerable communities at the centre of national development. Among those in attendance were Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, Kenya School of Government Director General Prof. Nura Mohammed, Ambassador Thomas Kwaka (Big Ted), leadership coach Dr. Wale Akinyemi, Pastor T. Mwangi, Rev. Julian Kyula and other leaders from the public and private sectors.
In her keynote address, Mueni urged Kenyans to embrace servant leadership and invest in the well-being of others, saying lasting national progress depends on creating opportunities for those left behind.
She noted that despite Kenya having one of Africa’s youngest and most talented populations, many young people continue to struggle with poverty, unemployment, inequality and limited access to quality education.
“Our responsibility extends beyond personal achievement. We must become architects of hope within our communities by creating opportunities that empower others to thrive. Every transformed life strengthens the future of our nation,” she said.
A key pillar of the foundation is the establishment of a Menstrual Bank, an initiative designed to provide girls and women with reliable access to sanitary products while supporting local manufacturing, creating employment opportunities and encouraging youth entrepreneurship.
Mueni said menstrual poverty continues to disrupt the education of thousands of girls who miss school every month because they cannot afford sanitary towels. She argued that ensuring access to menstrual hygiene products should be viewed as an investment in education, gender equality and economic development rather than simply a welfare programme.
“We cannot speak about empowering girls while ignoring one of the most fundamental barriers to their education and dignity. Every girl deserves access to safe menstrual products without stigma, shame or financial hardship,” she said.
To improve access, Mueni proposed installing sanitary towel dispensers in schools, universities, workplaces, hotels and other public spaces, allowing women and girls to obtain menstrual products whenever they need them. She added that ending the stigma surrounding menstruation would help protect girls’ dignity, boost their confidence and keep them in school.
Beyond menstrual health, the foundation will focus on scholarships, mentorship, youth leadership, entrepreneurship and mental wellness. Mueni revealed that over the past five years, the initiative has supported hundreds of vulnerable girls through education sponsorships and mentored more than 700 girls and young volunteers across Kenya. She said the foundation now intends to expand its scholarship programme to reach more disadvantaged children who remain out of school because of poverty.
In an emotional moment, Mueni recalled meeting a young girl who had never attended school, saying the foundation had committed to ensuring the child receives an education and the opportunity to pursue her dreams.
“No child should be denied an education because of circumstances beyond their control. Every child deserves the opportunity to dream, learn and become the very best they can be,” she said.
Mueni also called on young people to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and community service while participating constructively in national development. She stressed that solving challenges such as poverty, unemployment and mental health requires collective action from government, businesses, communities and individual citizens.
“Mental health, unemployment and poverty cannot be addressed by government alone. Every citizen has a responsibility to become part of the solution by supporting those around us and creating pathways to opportunity,” she said.
She expressed concern over the rising cases of anxiety, depression and emotional distress among young people, attributing them to financial pressures, workplace harassment, toxic environments and insensitive communication. She urged employers, learning institutions and families to create safe and supportive environments where people feel respected and comfortable seeking help.
Speaking during the launch, Prof. Nura Mohammed commended the foundation for prioritising young people and vulnerable communities, saying investments in education, ethical leadership and human capital remain essential to Kenya’s long-term socio-economic development.
Dr. Ezekiel Mutua described the foundation as a timely intervention that complements national efforts to empower girls, strengthen families and nurture responsible citizenship. He challenged corporate organisations, philanthropists and development partners to support programmes that expand educational opportunities, mentorship and economic empowerment for young people.
Other speakers praised Mueni’s commitment to servant leadership, noting that through both the Hopes, Dreams and Dignity Foundation and her Executive Protocol company, she has demonstrated how young entrepreneurs can create jobs while delivering practical solutions to social challenges.
The event concluded with renewed calls for stronger partnerships between government, the private sector, civil society, faith-based organisations and development partners to advance programmes that promote education, menstrual health, gender equality, mental wellness and inclusive economic growth.
As the Hopes, Dreams and Dignity Foundation begins its work, it aims to ensure that no girl misses school because of menstrual poverty, no child is denied an education due to financial hardship and no young person is left behind for lack of opportunity, mentorship or hope.
