At Great Being a Girl, we believe that every girl deserves the opportunity to embrace her womanhood with dignity, confidence, and access to proper menstrual health solutions. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation, providing sustainable menstrual products, and ensuring that no girl has to miss school or feel ashamed because of her period.
From rural villages to urban centers, our mission is to empower girls with knowledge, resources, and community support, so they can thrive academically, socially, and economically.
What we do
Menstrual Cup Distribution
We provide BPA-free, medical-grade silicone menstrual cups to girls and women, ensuring they have a reliable, long-term solution for period management.
Menstrual Health Education
We work with schools, communities, and health professionals to educate girls on proper menstrual hygiene, bust myths, and normalize period conversations.
Community Engagement & Advocacy
We connect teachers, girls, and mothers to foster open discussions about menstrual health. We also advocate for policy changes to make menstrual products more accessible.
Sustainability & Economic Empowerment
Our initiatives empower local women by employing them to create cup storage pouches, train menstrual health ambassadors, and support entrepreneurship, promoting financial independence. By blending eco-friendly solutions with economic empowerment, we help girls stay in school, uplift communities, and protect the environment.
- It's A Girl Thing
Why We Do What We Do
Millions of girls around the world face period poverty, lacking access to menstrual products, proper sanitation, and essential menstrual health education. In many communities, menstruation is still considered taboo, leading to widespread misinformation, stigma, and shame. This lack of awareness and resources creates significant barriers for young girls, affecting their health, education, and overall well-being.
The impact of period poverty is far-reaching and deeply affects the lives of many girls and women. Each month, countless girls are forced to miss several days of school due to a lack of access to proper menstrual hygiene products. This leads to a significant decline in their academic performance and, in many cases, contributes to higher dropout rates. Without safe, reliable menstrual products, many girls resort to using unsafe alternatives, such as rags or leaves, which increase the risk of infections and other long-term health complications. Beyond the immediate health risks, the consequences of missing school extend to the economic realm. Women who miss work due to menstrual challenges face a loss of income, further deepening their financial instability. This cycle of economic disadvantage, coupled with interrupted education, exacerbates gender inequalities and reinforces the barriers that prevent women from reaching their full potential in both educational and professional spheres. Period poverty, therefore, not only affects individual health and well-being but also has a profound societal impact, hindering progress toward gender equality and economic empowerment for women.
To combat this crisis, we are introducing menstrual cups—a safe, reusable, and cost-effective solution. Unlike disposable products, a single menstrual cup lasts up to 10 years, offering girls and women the freedom to manage their periods confidently and sustainably. By providing this life-changing alternative, we are breaking the cycle of period poverty, empowering young girls, and promoting a future where menstruation is no longer a barrier to education and opportunity.
Our Mission
Our mission is clear and impactful: to provide sustainable and affordable menstrual health solutions, educate communities on menstrual hygiene, keep girls in school by reducing absenteeism caused by period poverty, and promote environmental sustainability by minimizing menstrual product waste. Through education, advocacy, and the distribution of menstrual cups, we are transforming the way menstruation is perceived and managed. By breaking barriers and fostering awareness, we empower girls and women to embrace their periods with confidence and dignity. Together, we are creating a world where menstruation is not a limitation but a natural and celebrated part of life.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every girl has access to safe and sustainable menstrual products, no girl misses school due to a lack of period supplies, and communities openly embrace menstrual health education. By replacing disposable menstrual waste with sustainable solutions, we are reducing environmental impact while promoting dignity and well-being. Through a commitment to education, sustainability, and empowerment, we are shaping a future where menstruation is never a barrier to success. Every girl deserves the freedom to pursue her dreams with confidence, without limitations imposed by her period.
About the Founder
Great Being A Girl was founded by a mother and daughter team, Kimberly Hickok Smith and Kimberly Morgan.
Kimberly Hickok Smith has been a prominent advocate for reducing poverty and hunger throughout Africa for the past 30 years. Given her substantial experience, Kimberly understands the true problems that the developing world faces. Her work led her to realise that true change will only come through improving the lives of Africa’s girls. They are the future.
Kimberly Morgan grew up in Kenya and has always been passionate about finding a sustainable solution to the epidemic of poverty. Kim seeks to empower girls by helping their access to education by enabling them to attend school during their menstrual cycle.
She noticed many organisations attempting a similar goal, but without the true sustainability of the menstrual cup. Kim’s goal is to provide a lasting solution for these girls. One cup can last up to 10 years and creates no detrimental waste.
Great Being a Girl was blessed to meet Extraordinary Journeys Founder and Travel Guru Marcia Gordon who has a passionate interest in assisting women and girls to achieve their potential.
Marcia and her team have created a non profit in the USA which enables donations to be tax deductible! The Extraordinary Journeys Foundation uses Givebutter for donations.
Please give generously! We are so grateful to Extraordinary Journeys and the Foundation for their partnership.