By Atim Racheal | Fundraiser
We are pleased to share a report on our recent activity, carried out in celebration of International Women's Day on March 8, 2025, where Joy for Children Uganda focused on menstrual health. With your generous support, we were able to distribute essential menstrual hygiene products, including knickers, reusable pads, and hygiene bags, to young women and teenage mothers in the Acutukum community, Lira District.
Background
In many communities across Uganda, menstruation remains a sensitive and often taboo subject. This stigma, combined with a lack of access to proper menstrual hygiene products, creates barriers for young women and girls. Many miss school and face challenges in managing their menstrual health. Teenage mothers face compounded difficulties balancing childcare and education, while also dealing with their menstrual health needs.
Recognizing this, Joy for Children Uganda sought to make a difference by providing these young women and teenage mothers with essential menstrual hygiene products, helping them maintain their dignity and health while ensuring they could continue their education and daily activities.
Activity Overview
On March 8, 2025, in the Acutukum community of Lira District, we distributed menstrual hygiene products to 150 beneficiaries, consisting of 50 young women and 100 teenage mothers. The products included:
In addition to the distribution, we conducted educational awareness sessions on menstrual health and hygiene. These sessions covered topics such as understanding menstruation, proper use of menstrual products, and the importance of maintaining good hygiene. We also introduced the idea of reusable menstrual products and discussed the broader impact of good menstrual hygiene on overall health.
The initiative achieved its main objectives of improving access to menstrual hygiene products and raising awareness. With the provision of these products, young women and teenage mothers were able to manage their menstrual health with more dignity, confidence, and comfort. Many of the beneficiaries had previously missed school during their menstrual periods, and this distribution helped reduce absenteeism.
Through our educational sessions, we empowered over 150 young women and girls with valuable knowledge on how to manage their menstrual cycles hygienically. This awareness will help ensure better long-term health and hygiene. Moreover, the community engagement fostered open conversations around menstruation, helping to reduce the stigma that often surrounds this natural process.
Testimonials from Beneficiaries
Jemimah, a 16-year-old student, shared, "I used to skip school during my periods because I couldn't afford pads. Now, I feel confident and proud that I don’t have to miss any classes."
Doreen, an 18-year-old teenage mother, said, "The hygiene bag has made it easier for me to carry my menstrual products discreetly. I am thankful for this support."
Conclusion
This Women’s Day initiative has had a meaningful impact on the young women and teenage mothers of Acutukum. By addressing their menstrual hygiene needs, Joy for Children Uganda has helped improve their health, well-being, and dignity. We are proud to have empowered these young women to continue their education and lead their lives with greater confidence.
We sincerely thank you, our donors, for making this activity possible. Your contributions have made a lasting difference in the lives of these women and girls, helping them break down barriers and move toward a healthier, more empowered future.
Next Steps and Recommendations
Looking ahead, we plan to continue providing menstrual hygiene products on a regular basis to ensure that young women and teenage mothers have consistent access to essential resources. We also recommend expanding our awareness campaigns to further educate the community about menstruation, reducing the stigma surrounding it. Also, we will implement a monitoring system to track the long-term impact of these initiatives on school attendance, health, and well-being.
Once again, thank you for your ongoing support. Together, we are making a positive impact in the lives of young women and teenage mothers in Uganda.
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