Giving Story: Lamda Nu Xi
NEW YORK, NY: Why do people give? How do people choose what cause to donate to? What moves them to give of their hard-earned money to support certain causes? How can we at Huru help others learn about period poverty across East Africa while also supporting local stateside organizations? These are all questions we at Huru International have been asking ourselves.
Being a nonprofit in the weeds of women’s menstrual health issues is incredibly gratifying. Each day we learn about amazing girls and young women in East Africa whose lives have been changed by our Huru pads and education. We learn the struggles of these young women and walk alongside them in the slums lifting them and empowering them to be all that they can be. We ensure that no girl is limited by her period and that they can continue to receive their education without missing school due to something as simple as their cycle. We at Huru know that we are changing lives and the impact that every. single. dollar. makes but how do we communicate that to women and men in the US and explain how our mission is worthy of their support? So, what better way to learn something new than to ask the experts? We’ve begun asking YOU, our donors, what is your, “Why”? Each month we hope to highlight some of these questions and learn about our donor’s, “Why”, as we interview those who have helped us to change the lives of young women in East Africa while also shining a light on these amazing groups and individuals. Recently, the work Huru International does was highlighted at a reproductive justice event where the lovely ladies of Lamda Nu Xi learned about us and decided to do some fundraising to support our mission. Below are their responses to why they chose to work with Huru and how the work we do impacted them.
How did you first hear about Huru International?
We were looking for organizations to sponsor during our sisterhood’s Giving Thursdays campaign in November that would promote reproductive wellness for women of color. Our Vice President, Erika Blackshear learned of HURU from a reproductive justice event and felt that it aligned perfectly with our purpose.
What made you decide to give your first gift?
After we were introduced to the organization, I visited Huru's website. I was instantly touched by what the organization does. This is something we didn't realize was a major need. We knew that we wanted to be a part of the solution.
What would you like people to know about Lambda Nu Xi Sorority’s charitable giving?
Through our community service initiative, S.H.I.N.E., the sisters of Lambda Nu Xi Sorority provide uplifting mentorship, acts of service, community-based resources, and advocacy for all Women of Color while upholding our values of diligence, compassion, and selflessness. Our Purpose is to engage, connect, and collaborate with women in our communities to promote overall wellness, enrichment, and self-care. We advocate for women but we place a special focus on women of color due to the economic disparities, racial injustices, and lack of resources that are experienced in those communities.
What do you hope to accomplish through your giving to Huru?
No one should experience shame because of their natural bodily cycles. We want to help young women in Africa maintain access to these essential items so that they may SHINE with dignity and confidence while obtaining their education.
What message would you like to the to the young women you have helped through Huru?
Your sisters in America want you to know that you are beautiful, loved, and worthy of an abundance of greatness. We are cheering for you all and hope that you achieve every goal that you set for yourselves! Dream big and SHINE bright!
How would you describe Huru to someone who's never heard of us?
We would describe Huru as a much-needed program that helps young women by providing them with reusable menstrual pads and sexual and reproductive health education.
What do you wish everyone knew about Huru?
We would like for people to know Girls’ lives are being disrupted by their periods. In Africa, girls can miss between 3-5 days of school each month just because of a simple necessity that they deserve access to. No one should have to fall behind academically or drop out because of lack of Menstrual pads.
Huru International is incredibly grateful for the generosity and kindness of Lambda Nu Xi Sorority and their willingness to share their, “Why”. If you or your organization would like to support Huru International’s initiative to ensure no girl is limited by their period, please contact Meghan Walsh at MWalsh@huruinternational.org or visit the donation portion of our website.