Gender Equality Burkina Faso Project #26684

Empower Women and Girls through Menstrual Health

by BARKA Foundation

Empower Women and Girls through Menstrual Health

Project Report | Oct 21, 2026
Menstrual Cups Project: Qualitative Fieldwork completed

By Peace SARAMBE | Executive Director Fondation BARKA

1. Overview

BARKA Foundation has successfully completed the qualitative data collection phase of the Menstrual Cups Project. Following interviewer training and a debriefing session, fieldwork commenced on 24 July and has now been concluded.

The qualitative phase achieved all planned targets for individual in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Additional interviews were also incorporated into the dataset following quality review, while continuous quality assurance measures helped maintain the integrity and reliability of the data collected.

2. Key Achievements and Outputs

The following outputs were achieved upon completion of qualitative fieldwork:

In-depth individual interviews: All 45 of the 45 interviews planned were successfully completed.
Focus group discussions: All 6 of the 6 planned focus group discussions were conducted.
Additional pre-test interviews: Four pre-test interviews were reviewed and deemed suitable for inclusion in the final dataset.
Current menstrual cup users: Three current users were interviewed to document their experiences, perceptions, and menstrual cup use practices.
Quality assurance: Quality-control procedures and ongoing reviews were implemented throughout data collection. Only two interviews required repetition to meet the established quality standards.
Transcription and data processing: Transcription and data processing activities are already underway in preparation for the analysis phase.

3. Data Quality and Validation

Quality assurance was integrated throughout the fieldwork process to ensure that the data collected met the project's quality standards. Interview reviews and follow-up procedures enabled the identification and correction of issues requiring additional attention.

The four additional pre-test interviews were assessed and approved for inclusion in the final dataset. Furthermore, the three interviews with current menstrual cup users provide complementary insights into actual user experiences and practices. These additional contributions strengthen the breadth of the qualitative dataset.

4. Next Steps

With qualitative fieldwork completed, the project will focus on the following activities:

Complete transcription and data processing to prepare the qualitative dataset for analysis.
Conduct qualitative data analysis to identify key themes, experiences, perceptions, and findings related to menstrual cup use.
Initiate the quantitative research phase, which remains outstanding, in accordance with the project's research plan.
Integrate findings from both research phases to support a comprehensive understanding of the project's research objectives.

5. Conclusion

The qualitative data collection phase of BARKA Foundation's Menstrual Cups Project has been successfully completed, achieving all planned targets for individual interviews and focus group discussions. The inclusion of additional pre-test interviews and interviews with current menstrual cup users further enriches the dataset.

The implementation of quality assurance measures throughout fieldwork helped maintain data quality, with only two interviews requiring repetition. With transcription and data processing already underway, the project is well positioned to advance toward qualitative analysis and the subsequent quantitative research phase.

Overall status: Qualitative fieldwork is complete. Transcription and data processing are in progress, while the quantitative research phase remains to be conducted.

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Jun 25, 2026
Capacity Building for Girls in Schools

By Gaoussou ''Peace'' SARAMBE | Executive Director

Feb 25, 2026
Advancing Women's Health and Empowerment in 2025

By Gaoussou ''Peace'' SARAMBE | Executive Director

The year 2025 marked significant progress for women through BARKA Foundation’s Menstrual Health initiatives. We implemented two impactful programs designed to promote education, awareness, and sustainable solutions.

Menstrual Hygiene Management Awareness & Training
Our first program focused on raising awareness among high school girls about Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM). In addition, participants were trained to produce reusable, locally made sanitary pads, an initiative that fosters both self-reliance and sustainability. More than 100 girls directly benefited from this training, while over 2,500 women engaged in our Menstrual Fair and Exposition held on International Women’s Day.
Menstrual Cups Pilot Study
The second initiative was the launch of our Menstrual Cups Pilot Study, aimed at exploring innovative, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional menstrual products. This project represents an important step toward expanding options for women’s health and dignity.

Together, these programs underscore BARKA Foundation’s commitment to empowering women and girls with knowledge, practical skills, and access to sustainable menstrual health solutions.

Vision and Planning for 2026

strengthen sustainable practices in menstrual health.

Completion of the Menstrual Cups Pilot Study
In 2026, we will conclude the Menstrual Cups Pilot Study, carefully evaluating outcomes and documenting insights to inform future programming. This will allow us to assess the feasibility, acceptance, and long-term sustainability of menstrual cups as a viable option for women and girls in our communities.
Scaling Menstrual Hygiene Education
Recognizing the ongoing need among high school girls, we plan to expand our Menstrual Hygiene Management awareness and training programs. Our goal is to reach a greater number of schools, empowering more girls with knowledge and practical skills to manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence.
Strengthening Community Engagement
We will continue to organize large-scale events such as the Menstrual Fair and Exposition, fostering dialogue, breaking taboos, and promoting innovative solutions. These platforms will serve as opportunities to engage women, men, and youth in advancing menstrual health as a cornerstone of gender equity.
Partnerships and Sustainability
In 2026, we aim to deepen partnerships with local and international stakeholders to ensure that menstrual health initiatives are integrated into broader programs of education, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development.

Through these efforts, BARKA Foundation reaffirms its dedication to advancing women’s health, dignity, and empowerment, ensuring that every initiative contributes to lasting change in the lives of women and girls in Burkina Faso.

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