Menstrual Hygiene Day Outreach
Breaking Taboos, Providing Dignity
On this Menstrual Hygiene Day, we visited Mitala Maria Hill SS and St Benedict SS Buwama in Mpigi district. We had an interesting and interactive session with the girls from these schools about menstrual hygiene and the topics surrounding it.
Menstrual hygiene is a critical aspect of women’s health. It encompasses practices and products that ensure comfort, cleanliness, and dignity during menstruation. Unfortunately, taboos and misinformation often surround this natural process, leading to challenges for girls and women worldwide.
Understanding the challenges
Menstruation poses unique challenges for girls in resource-constrained communities. Sanitary pads cost money, and when families struggle to afford even necessities like food, daughters often miss school for up to a week each month due to a lack of menstrual hygiene products.
The sessions began with a light talk about periods and myths that are said about them. This helped many girls understand different aspects of menstruation that may not have been clear. We discussed proper menstrual hygiene practices and how their impact on the health of women.
We also discussed the challenges that girls face in these areas when accessing menstrual hygiene products. This encouraged the girls to discuss among themselves and with the facilitators on how to navigate challenges faced when it is time for their periods.
Reusable Sanitary Pads
We distributed reusable sanitary pads to 450 girls with the help of our partners, African Simba Events, The Hilmit Lounge, MF Williams Foundation, and PDM Photography. The girls were shown how to use and care for their reusable sanitary pads to utilize their benefits and longevity.
By the end of the sessions, the girls felt empowered and informed. Stigmas and taboos surrounding menstruation were challenged, and the overall mood for the day was boosted.
We all have to ensure that women and girls have better access to menstrual hygiene products and the information they need to make better decisions and lead outstanding lives. Menstrual Hygiene Day isn’t just about pads; it’s about dignity, education, and equal opportunities. Together, we create a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.
