SANITARY TOWELS FOR GIRLS IN RURAL SCHOOLS

Dear Esteemed Donors,

On May 28, 2025, Uganda joined the rest of the world in commemorating Menstrual Hygiene Day. This year’s national event, organized by the Ministry of Education, brought together diverse voices committed to ensuring that no girl is left behind because of her period. Joy for Children Uganda was proud to be part of this gathering.

As part of our contribution, we brought along a group of girls from the slums who have been trained through our menstrual hygiene management programs. These young girls were given the opportunity to attend exhibitions, engage with other learners, and experience first-hand the importance of innovation, education, and collaboration in menstrual health. Their goal is to take what they learned back into their communities to educate, empower, and break the silence that still surrounds menstruation in many parts of the country.

Despite the energy and engagement at the event, it was also a sobering reminder of how far we still have to go. It has been more than a decade since the government pledged to provide free sanitary pads to school-going girls, yet that promise remains unfulfilled. The impact of this delay is not abstract it is visible in every girl who misses school each month, who struggles with stigma, and who begins to fall behind not because of a lack of ability, but because of a lack of basic support.

Many girls who spoke at the event expressed concern over the continued high cost of sanitary products. Their voices were strong and clear: they are not asking for charity they are demanding the right to manage their periods with dignity. They called for government investment in sustainable solutions, particularly the production of reusable sanitary pads, and the inclusion of skills-based menstrual health training in schools.

For Joy for Children Uganda, this day was an opportunity to amplify those voices and to reaffirm our commitment to addressing menstrual health through practical, community-based approaches. By equipping girls with knowledge and reusable pad-making skills, we are enabling them to become change agents in their homes, schools, and neighborhoods.

We are deeply grateful for your continued support, which allows us to do this work. Your partnership is critical as we scale these efforts, advocate for long-overdue government action, and create more opportunities for girls to stay in school and reach their full potential.

We look forward to the day when Menstrual Hygiene Day is not a reminder of broken promises, but a celebration of fulfilled rights and meaningful progress. With your support, that day can come sooner.

Dear Friends and Partners,

As we move through Menstrual Hygiene Month, we are proud to share the impact of your support in helping us reach and uplift the girls in our sponsorship program. This month is globally recognized as a time to raise awareness and take action on menstrual health, and thanks to you, we entered it already having done just that.

Before the school term closed for holidays, our team carried out a series of menstrual hygiene education sessions in several schools. These sessions provided a safe and open space for girls to learn about their bodies, understand how to manage their periods with confidence, and break the silence that so often surrounds menstruation. Many of the girls told us it was the first time they had received clear, supportive information about menstrual health.

Alongside the education sessions, we distributed sanitary pads and knickers to the girls, ensuring they were well-prepared to manage their periods during the school break. These small but essential items bring comfort, dignity, and peace of mind especially for girls who would otherwise struggle to access them. Your support made this possible.

By combining knowledge with practical supplies, we are not just addressing an immediate need; we are nurturing a sense of self-worth and agency in these young girls. They are learning that their periods are not something to hide or be ashamed of, but a natural part of life that should never hold them back from attending school or participating fully in daily life.

As the holidays continue and we reflect on the work already done this month, we are also preparing for future outreach to ensure that this conversation remains active,not just in May, but all year round. Your contributions are making a lasting impact, and we are truly grateful for your partnership.

Thank you for standing with us to ensure that menstruation is not a barrier to education or self-confidence. Together, we are building a future where every girl is informed, empowered, and supported.