"Pink Bags" scholarships for young girls

Access to education for girls in Uganda, Bangladesh, India, and Brazil—the four countries where Mission Bambini operates the Borse Rosa project—continues to face significant challenges, despite ongoing efforts to improve the situation.

In Uganda, period poverty is a critical barrier to education. Reports indicate that nearly one in four Ugandan girls between the ages of 12 and 18 drop out of school when they begin menstruating. School absenteeism rises dramatically during this time, with girls missing as much as 28% of school days compared to just 7% during non-period days. On average, girls miss about three days of school each month due to their periods, which equates to approximately 18% of the academic year. This situation not only affects their education but also increases their vulnerability to early marriages and motherhood, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. The Ugandan Minister of Higher Education has emphasized that addressing period poverty is essential for achieving several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including gender equality and quality education. A shocking 7% of girls in Uganda are married before the age of 15.

To address these challenges, Mission Bambini is working together with local partners and communities to implement retention strategies and distribute hygiene kits and sanitary pads. By providing access to these essential resources, the project aims to ensure that girls can attend school consistently and complete their education.

In Bangladesh, while there have been improvements in enrollment rates, cultural expectations still place domestic responsibilities on girls. Safety concerns, such as harassment during commutes to school, deter families from sending their daughters. Approximately 60% of girls in rural areas attend secondary school, indicating a gap that needs to be addressed.

In India, the intersection of caste, economic status, and geography creates a complex landscape for girls' education. Although government initiatives exist, girls from marginalized communities often face discrimination, with only 29% of girls in rural areas completing their education. This underscores the necessity for more inclusive educational policies.

Brazil, while having a relatively high enrollment rate for girls, still grapples with issues of educational quality and retention. Socioeconomic disparities lead to significant differences in outcomes, with low-income girls lacking essential resources. Furthermore, violence and abuse in schools contribute to higher dropout rates among girls. In particular, the region of Paraíba faces challenges, with reports indicating that mental health issues significantly affect students' ability to learn. The Mission Bambini Foundation has initiated a project focused on mental health support, aiming to address these critical issues and create a safer, more supportive educational environment for girls.

To address the challenges faced by girls in accessing education, Mission Bambini is actively working with local partners and communities to implement retention strategies and distribute hygiene kits and sanitary pads. By providing access to these essential resources, the project aims to ensure that girls can attend school consistently and complete their education.

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