SANITARY TOWELS FOR GIRLS IN RURAL SCHOOLS

Dear Esteemed Donors,

We are pleased to share a report on the activities undertaken during the recent holiday period as part of our Menstrual Health Management (MHM) initiative at Joy for Children Uganda. The primary goal of these activities was to educate and empower children, particularly young girls, on the importance of menstrual health hygiene, including the use and care of reusable sanitary towels. We are grateful for your ongoing support, which has made these efforts possible, and we hope this report provides insight into the positive impact of your generous contributions.

During the holiday period, the MHM initiative focused on raising awareness about menstrual health and hygiene. We introduced reusable sanitary towels as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for menstrual care. Our activities aimed to foster healthy attitudes toward menstruation, reduce stigma, and encourage open discussions about menstrual health within the community.

Several key activities were carried out over the holidays to engage children in learning and discussion. First, we conducted educational workshops that covered essential topics related to menstrual health hygiene. These sessions explained the menstrual cycle, emphasized the importance of proper hygiene during menstruation, and highlighted the potential health risks of improper care. The workshops were interactive, providing an opportunity for children to ask questions, share experiences, and discuss challenges related to menstruation.

A large part of the activity focused on introducing reusable sanitary towels. We demonstrated to the children how to properly use, wash, and care for these towels, ensuring they understood their benefits for personal hygiene and environmental sustainability. Each child was given a set of reusable sanitary towels along with detailed instructions on their maintenance. This activity aimed to ensure that every girl had access to affordable and sustainable menstrual care.

We also organized community outreach events where local women and health experts discussed menstrual health. These sessions were instrumental in reducing stigma and fostering a supportive environment for young girls during their menstrual cycles. The involvement of the broader community helped normalize discussions around menstruation.

We distributed printed guides and pamphlets to all participants, which illustrated proper menstrual hygiene practices and the use of sanitary towels. These materials also addressed common myths surrounding menstruation, offering clear, accessible information to help children manage their menstrual health.

The activities have had a meaningful impact on both the children and the community. Over 100 children from different slum areas participated in the workshops, and the feedback indicates that 95% now have a better understanding of menstrual health and hygiene. They feel more confident in managing their menstrual health and using reusable sanitary towels. Many have expressed gratitude for the opportunity to access sustainable and cost-effective menstrual care products.

The community outreach activities have contributed to reducing the stigma surrounding menstruation. Many children and parents have reported feeling more comfortable discussing menstruation both at home and within their communities. This openness is gradually breaking down the barriers that once existed around this important topic.

The distribution of reusable sanitary towels has also had a direct positive impact on the lives of young girls, allowing them to continue attending school and participating in daily activities without interruption. The girls have expressed appreciation for the environmentally friendly nature of the products, which have proven to be both effective and practical.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support, which has been essential in making these activities possible. Your contributions have enabled us to provide access to vital menstrual health education and sustainable menstrual care products, and we are witnessing lasting changes in the lives of many children in Uganda.

Looking forward, we are eager to expand our outreach and continue educating more children about menstrual health and hygiene. With your continued support, we can further break down barriers surrounding menstruation and empower young girls with the knowledge and tools they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Thank you once again for partnering with us in this important mission.

Period poverty remains a big barrier to education for girls in rural Uganda, often causing them to miss school during their menstrual cycle. With support from AFRI Pads, Joy for Children Uganda (JFCU) has been working to provide the necessary products, education, and improved school facilities to help young girls manage their menstrual health with dignity. 

In many rural communities across Uganda, girls struggle to access menstrual hygiene products, leaving them without proper means to manage their periods. This often results in school absenteeism, as girls stay home due to a lack of sanitary products or the absence of clean, private spaces to use them. The stigma surrounding menstruation further isolates girls, making it difficult for them to seek help or even discuss their needs. These challenges contribute to a higher risk of school dropout among girls.

In response to this we have launched a program aimed at addressing period poverty by providing menstrual hygiene kits, educational resources, and improving school sanitation. This initiative is focused on helping girls remain in school and continue their education with confidence.

We distributed 200 menstrual hygiene kits to girls in rural schools. Each kit contained reusable sanitary pads, knickers, and an educational booklet designed to teach girls how to manage their menstrual health. These kits provide a sustainable solution, allowing girls to continue attending school without the worry of missing class due to their menstrual cycle.

Alongside the distribution of these kits, educational sessions were held to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene. These workshops were designed not only to educate girls but also to challenge the stigma around menstruation, encouraging open discussions and fostering a more supportive environment in the schools. Both boys and girls participated in these sessions, helping to create a culture of understanding and respect for menstrual health.

JFCU also collaborated with schools to improve sanitation facilities, ensuring that girls have access to clean and private spaces to manage their menstrual needs while at school. Having proper toilets and handwashing stations plays an important role in reducing absenteeism and helping girls feel comfortable and confident during their periods.

The impact of this initiative has been notable. Many girls who received the kits have shared that they no longer feel embarrassed or anxious about their periods. They are now able to attend school regularly without missing days due to menstruation. Teachers have noticed improved attendance rates and greater participation from the girls, as they are no longer held back by the lack of proper hygiene resources.

One girl, after receiving a kit, said, "Before I got my pads, I would stay home for several days every month. Now, I don’t have to miss school, and I can focus on my studies without worrying." This feedback highlights the importance of addressing period poverty, as it directly contributes to a girl's ability to stay in school and pursue her education.

Joy for Children Uganda plans to expand this initiative to reach more schools in rural Uganda. Our goal is to distribute more menstrual hygiene kits, host additional educational workshops, and continue improving sanitation facilities in schools. By scaling up this program, we aim to ensure that no girl is left behind due to menstruation, and that all girls have the tools and knowledge they need to manage their menstrual health with dignity.

With the support from our generous donors, Joy for Children Uganda is making a tangible difference in the lives of girls in rural schools. By providing menstrual hygiene products, promoting education on menstrual health, and improving school infrastructure, we are breaking down the barriers that prevent girls from accessing education and achieving their potential.

Thank you for your continued support of this critical initiative.