Gender Equality Ethiopia Project #75272

Dignity & Education for 2,000 Girls: Menstrual Hea

by Bahir Dar Charity Association

Summary

This project will provide 2,000 vulnerable schoolgirls in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, with comprehensive menstrual health support-eliminating the monthly barrier that forces them to miss school. We will distribute high-quality reusable menstrual kits (pads, underwear, soap, carrying pouch), conduct health education workshops reaching all 2,000 girls, train 40 female teachers as menstrual health mentors, and establish sustainable resupply systems through Parent-Teacher Associations. This integrated appr

$30,000
total goal

$30,000
remaining

0
donors

0
monthly donors

2
months

Challenge

In Ethiopia, over 50% of girls miss 1-5 days of school per month because they cannot afford menstrual supplies. This means losing up to 20% of the academic year-every year. A pack of disposable pads costs 50-70 Ethiopian Birr ($0.90-$1.30), an impossible expense for families already struggling to afford food. With 68% of the population living below the poverty line, menstrual supplies are an unaffordable luxury. Deeply rooted cultural taboos surround menstruation. Girls have no access to accurat

Solution

Component 1: Direct Distribution of Quality Menstrual Kits (2,000 Girls) Each girl receives a complete menstrual kit containing 6 high-quality reusable pads (sourced from local women's cooperatives, lasting 12-18 months), 2 pairs of underwear, 2 bars of gentle soap, a waterproof carrying pouch, and illustrated instructions in Amharic. By sourcing from local women's cooperatives, we simultaneously support women's economic empowerment. Component 2: Comprehensive Menstrual Health Education (12 Scho

Long-Term Impact

For Individual Girls: When girls stop missing school each month, attendance improves by 15-20%. Regular attendance leads to better grades, higher promotion rates, and increased likelihood of completing secondary school. Each additional year of schooling increases future income by 10-20%. Girls who understand their bodies have lower rates of reproductive tract infections and better overall health outcomes. Through workshops and mentorship, girls develop confidence, leadership skills, and agency.