Women For Progress 2026: Kenya Wins With A Project For Female Inmates

To guarantee female inmates free and continuous access to menstrual hygiene products, ensuring that personal dignity is protected as a fundamental human right. With this goal, “Dignity Beyond Bars”, a project by 27-year-old Kenyan Faith Kalau, won the eleventh edition of Women for Progress – Supporting the World, the international format promoted by the cultural association ‘In Progress’ of Taranto.

As the new Miss Progress International, Faith Kalau succeeds Brazil's Khrystma Siberth (the 2025 winner) and brings Africa back to the top of the podium, where it had been missing since 2010, when Julieth Lugembe from Tanzania won the inaugural edition.

The initiative shines a spotlight on the conditions within Kenyan prisons, where a shortage of sanitary pads forces many inmates into humiliating situations, requiring them to rely on makeshift solutions and ration available supplies.

"Dignity is not a privilege, but an essential human right for every woman, regardless of her circumstances," explained Faith Kalau. "Even behind bars, everyone must be able to preserve their rights. That is why I will install a machine capable of producing eco-friendly and sustainable sanitary pads using fibers from banana leaves. Winning Women for Progress will finally allow this idea to transition into a concrete reality, helping countless women in difficulty."

The proclamation of the winner marked the pinnacle of an edition that brought women from all over the world to Puglia, each presenting projects dedicated to health, human rights, the environment, and social inclusion, in line with the United Nations SDGs.

"We are deeply proud of the success of this edition," commented Giusy Nobile, president of the association “In Progress.” "Faith raised an issue that is often invisible yet crucial. We hope that this recognition will enable her to bring this project to life, creating a tangible intervention for the benefit of many."

In addition to the main title, the jury honored other innovative proposals for their social and civil value:

Miss Progress Health: Nicole Bertolini (Italy)

Miss Progress Environment: Anapaula Quintero Vega (Puerto Rico)

Miss Progress Cultural Integration: Candice Françoise (Reunion Island)

Best National Costume: Bryanna Galdamez (Mexico)

The sole "glamour" award was presented to the Netherlands' Ilsa van der Heijden, who was named the most elegant among the ambassadors of progress.

Conceived and led with passion by the cultural association ‘In Progress’ of Taranto, the event confirms its role as a catalyst for major institutional and cultural synergies. A virtuous journey that this year walked alongside the High Patronage of the European Parliament, as well as those of the Italian Ministry of Tourism, the Presidency of the Puglia Region, the Municipalities of Nardò and Castrignano del Capo, and in collaboration with the University of Bari.