Empower Women and Girls through Menstrual Health

Dear BARKA Friend,

We have some exciting news concerning BARKA's MHM project. We are looking into the idea of using menstrual cups as a potential solution for period care for girls in Burkina. 

The best thing about cups is that they last up to 12 hours, they don't impede sports or physical activities, they're far less expensive than pads over the long term, and since they're reusable, they're way more environmentally sustainable. However their proper care requires clean water and soap to hygienically wash them after each use. Although we can ensure that at schools, we're unsure of what the home environment would be like for all girls in the program.

We are working with BARKA's project leaders, Martine and Madame Zalle to look into the feasibility of using cups rather than pads, as this is a solution that most Burkinabè are unaware of and to our knowledge has never been used before. 

We look forward to getting back on the ground in late September just before school resumes. We will keep you posted on this exciting development that could significantly help girls in a way they have never imagined.

In the meantime, check out the photos we recently uploaded to BARKA's website highlighting the first phase of our MHM program earlier this year. They're inspiring- you'll love them!

Thank you so much for your support. BARKA would not be implementing this program right now without it!

'Barka' is an African word of gratitude, blessing and reciprocity.

Barka,

Ina & Esu

Links:

• MHM Media Gallery on BARKA's website

Thank you for supporting the empowerment of girls through BARKA Foundation's Menstrual Hygiene Management Program. Through your direct support during our fundraising campaign in March, BARKA's two phenomenal project leaders, Madame Zalle and Martine Nazotin were able to do even more than we expected. Our original plans called for sensitizing girls in Fada's two largest high schools. In fact, given the success of the Girl Fund campaign we were able to reach out to 6 high schools, each one in tremendous need to support girls coming of age.

The sensitization trainings with the girls each lasted almost two hours. Our project leaders educated the students about menstruation in general, how to maintain good hygienic care during one's menses, and even how to manage the menstrual cycle to avoid unwanted pregnancy. There was also a demonstration of how to use sanitary pads, something that is not commonly used here in Burkina Faso by most students. Each student received a package of sanitary pads for their own personal use.

As the school term is coming to an end this week in Burkina, the first phase of this project is coming to a close. Thanks to your help, we were able to reach over 2000 students in just two months, which is simply amazing. The highlight came last week at Diaba Lompo, Fada's largest high school. Each year the school honors the indigenous cultural heritage of the diverse student body.  Martine's "Club of Awakening Girls" capitalized on this opportunity by performing 3 skits in front of 1500 of their fellow students on issues of MHM, female genital mutilation and cutting (which is outlawed in Burkina but still widely practiced) and the problem of unwanted pregancies. We are including photos below of the extraordinary beauty on display at this event.

The BARKA MHM team is already at work planning for next year when we'll add boys, teachers and parents to our trainings and consider the possibility of designing and constructing a douche/latrine that is well adapted for girls experiencing their periods. We're excited about the early results of this project and our next steps. Thank you for being with us on this important journey to support the empowerment and dignity of young women.

#MenstruationMatters