SANITARY TOWELS FOR GIRLS IN RURAL SCHOOLS

Girls' Empowerment, Health and Education Camp – First Cohort

Thanks to your generous support, Joy for Children Uganda recently brought together 30 adolescent girls aged 10–17 years from the informal settlements of Bwaise, Bukoto, Kivulu, and Kanyanya for the first cohort of our Girls' Empowerment, Health and Education Camp. The camp created a safe space where girls could openly discuss puberty, menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, self-esteem, and life skills. One of the most impactful sessions focused on menstrual hygiene management. Through interactive discussions and practical demonstrations, participants learned about the menstrual cycle, how to safely use reusable and disposable sanitary pads, and the importance of maintaining good hygiene during their periods. For many of the girls, this was the first time they had received accurate information about menstruation or felt comfortable asking questions without fear or shame.

One participant shared that before attending the camp, she believed menstruation was something to hide because no one had ever explained what was happening to her body. She often worried about going to school during her period because she did not know how to manage it confidently. After the session, she proudly demonstrated how to use a sanitary pad correctly and said she now feels prepared to manage her period with confidence. Her story reflects the transformation we witnessed throughout the camp as girls replaced fear and misinformation with knowledge, confidence, and hope.

Although this training empowered 30 girls with life-changing knowledge, many more school-going girls in Uganda continue to face significant challenges managing their periods with dignity. In both urban informal settlements and rural communities, many girls cannot afford sanitary pads and are forced to rely on old clothes, rags, mattress foam, or other unsafe materials. These challenges often lead to girls missing valuable days of school each month, affecting their education, confidence, and well-being. Limited access to menstrual products can also increase girls' vulnerability to exploitation and other protection risks as they search for ways to meet their basic needs. In the coming months, Joy for Children Uganda plans to expand this initiative by visiting schools in slum communities and rural areas to provide comprehensive menstrual health education alongside reusable sanitary pads. By equipping girls with sustainable menstrual products and accurate information, we can help them stay healthy, remain in school, and pursue their dreams with confidence.

Your generosity is helping to restore dignity, protect education, and create opportunities for girls to thrive. As we prepare to reach more schools and more vulnerable girls, your continued support will help us provide reusable sanitary pads and menstrual health education to those who need them most. Together, we can ensure that no girl is left behind simply because of her period.

• Activity full report (PDF)