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 | 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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Oct 29, 2025
Menstrual Hygiene and Public Health in Burkina Faso: A ''CUPS PILOT'' Qualitative Study

By Gaoussou ''Peace'' SARAMBE | Executive Director

Menstrual hygiene remains a critical public health concern, particularly in developing countries, where it significantly impacts women's health, education, and economic participation. In Burkina Faso, three out of four women face substantial challenges in managing their menstrual health due to limited access to menstrual products, inadequate education, and persistent social stigma.These barriers are further exacerbated by economic constraints and cultural norms, contributing to school and workplace absenteeism and reinforcing cycles of gender inequality and poverty.

This study aims to explore how menstrual health challenges evolve into adulthood and influence broader social roles among young women aged 18 and above in Burkina Faso. Employing a dual-phase qualitative methodology including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys.The research engaged 90 women and 15 men across urban, peri-urban, and rural settings.The objective is to uncover the cultural, economic, and social factors that shape menstrual hygiene practices and to inform the development of inclusive and context-sensitive public health strategies.

Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of our partners, whose support has been instrumental in enabling this research. Their collaboration and commitment have played a vital role in advancing the objectives of this initiative.

Population Services International (PSI) – for their financial support
TIKO SOLUTIONS, an implementing partner of the project
Dr. Mahesh – Associate Professor, Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
Sarah Vincent – Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
Dr. Catalina – Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Rodrigue – PhD student in Demography, Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougo.

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Jul 4, 2025
Dismantling Stigma Around Menstrual Health

By Peace SARAMBE | Executive Director

Menstrual health has been a cornerstone of the BARKA Foundation’s initiatives for over eight years, positively impacting thousands of schoolgirls. Through dedicated efforts, BARKA project leaders visit schools annually to raise awareness about menstrual health and distribute essential sanitary pads to students.
In 2025, the foundation has expanded its approach by training 100 women in the production of reusable pads using locally sourced cotton materials. These newly trained artisans will, in turn, educate others in their communities, empowering more women and girls to create their own sustainable menstrual hygiene products.
As a groundbreaking addition to this year’s initiatives, BARKA Foundation—in collaboration with the Regional Chamber of Agriculture—launched the first-ever Menstrual Market in the city of Fada N’Gourma. This special event, took place on May 28, World Menstrual Health Day, brought together women and schoolgirls to foster open discussions and education on menstrual health.
The Menstrual Market served as a platform for showcasing various types of sanitary pads used by different women. It also featured panel discussions led by BARKA project leaders, alongside sensitization sessions designed to educate and engage thousands of attendees. By facilitating open dialogue and exposure, this event aimed to dismantle long-standing taboos surrounding menstruation in local communities.
This landmark initiative was honored by the presence of local authorities and women’s associations committed to advancing menstrual health advocacy. Through collective efforts, the BARKA Foundation continues to drive change, ensuring that menstrual health is recognized, supported, and prioritized across communities.

We can't do all this without your continuous support and we can't thank you enough for your great heart.

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