Our Story
- 2016 -
Founded by Jessie Ridgeway at 17, African Sisterhood is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to helping young women in Africa pursue education by providing essential feminine hygiene products. In Kenya, 36% of school-aged girls drop out due to a lack of menstrual products, but studies show providing these resources reduces the drop-out rate to just 8%.
While on safari in 2016, Jessie learned of the struggles girls in rural Kenya face managing menstruation. This experience inspired her to create a solution, as many families couldn’t afford these products, forcing girls to miss school and, tragically, often become childhood brides. Jessie returned to the U.S. determined to help, developing a reusable pad kit and system that enables girls to manage their cycles and stay in school.
- 2018 -
- 2019 -
Distribution locations
Secondary Coed School - Narok County, Kenya
Imani Children's Home - Narok, Kenya
Siyiapei Children's Home - Narok, Kenya
Secondary school and Tasaru Rescue Home -Narok, Kenya
Maasai coed school - Narok County, Kenya
Over 1,000 feminine hygiene products hand delivered in Kenya.
- 2020-
Huge sew party
- 2020 -
Senator Tom Umber
2020 Women Of Distinction Award
Jessie is honored to be nominated for this prestigious award.
https://sd34.senate.ca.gov/event/2020-women-distinction
-2020-
Stitched at the Heart a documentary film about the
evolution of African Sisterhood. Canceled due to Covid.
-2023-
Distribution locations
Siyiapei Children's Home - Narok, Kenya
Secondary school and Tasaru Rescue Home - Narok, Kenya
Selenkei Girls School - Narok, Kenya
Kabiangek School - Bomet, Kenya
-2025-
Distribution locations for June!
Siyiapei Children's Home - Narok, Kenya
Tasaru Rescue Center - Narok, Kenya
Mosiro School - Narok, Kenya
Ol Tukat School - Narok, Kenya