Empower Women and Girls through Menstrual Health

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