Pride No Shame - Affordable sanitary pads

Messi’s Journey to Health and Hope

Messi’s journey took another step forward on January 6th when he was admitted to the hospital for specialized rehabilitation. Each day, a dedicated team of doctors carefully assesses his progress, exploring the possibility of surgery that could change his life.

Right now, Messi can only lie down, but the rehabilitation team has a hopeful goal: to help him sit up on his own. For a child who has faced so many challenges, even this small victory would mark a big step toward independence.

Recognizing the complexity of his case, PridenoShame is stepping forward. We are organizing consultations with doctors in Europe to gather additional expert opinions. By bringing global expertise together, we aim to ensure Messi receives the most effective care possible. His story is one of resilience and hope, and the world is rallying around him for a brighter tomorrow.

Breaking the Silence on Menstrual Health

In communities where menstruation is shrouded in silence and stigma, Uzima pads has become a beacon of change. This year, we reached out to schools, empowering students and teachers with knowledge about menstrual hygiene.

Workshops were filled with moments of discovery and courage as myths were dispelled, and truths were shared. Boys learned that menstruation is not taboo, but a natural part of life. Girls gained confidence, realizing they could participate in sports and other activities during their cycles.

The numbers tell a powerful story:

• Boys attending sessions rose from 30.6% to an astounding 99.2%.
• Girls’ participation in sports during menstruation jumped from 60.3% to 98.3%.
• Understanding of menstrual health norms improved by 41.3%.

In one session, a boy named Eric shared, “I used to think this topic wasn’t for me, but now I see how important it is for everyone.” His words reflect the heart of PridenoShame’s mission—breaking barriers and building bridges.

Providing Essential Products to Girls

Behind every statistic is a girl whose life has been made easier. Pridenoshame distributed 39,766 boxes of UZIMA sanitary pads to schools and communities. For some girls, these products meant they could attend school with confidence, no longer needing to miss classes or feel embarrassed.

In the bustling classrooms of GS Nyinawimana TSS, 570 girls received menstrual products, with additional supplies stocked in their school’s girls' room. Similarly, in GS St. Raphael Rambura, the largest distribution center this year, 750 girls were supported with 2,300 boxes and 34 schools more received UZIMA sanitary pads donation during last three months.

One young girl, Amina, shared her gratitude: “Before, I would miss school and feel ashamed. Now, I can go to class every day, and I know I’m not alone.”

The Impact of Knowledge

Through education, PridenoShame is planting seeds for a better future. Our training programs transformed the way communities think about menstrual health. The results were measurable and heartwarming:

• Inclusivity soared as boys embraced menstrual health education.
• Girls participated more freely in sports and activities, breaking old barriers.
• Teachers reported a noticeable shift in students’ confidence and openness.

In the words of a teacher from GS Ruyange: “This program has changed our school. Boys and girls now discuss these topics openly, supporting each other instead of shaming.”

Be the change in someone's life—your support can bring hope, healing, and opportunity to those who need it most. Donate today and make a meaningful change.

Links:

• https://friendsofhumanity.ch/

1. Support for Messi: Employee's Child with Severe Back Condition

Pridenoshame remains firmly committed to the welfare of our employees and their families. One of our ongoing efforts is providing crucial support to Messi, the child of one of our employees, who suffers from a severe back condition that has impaired his ability to walk. After a thorough medical evaluation, doctors prescribed supplements to aid Messi's recovery and determined that surgery would be an option once he reaches a weight of 14 kilos.

To support Messi's nutritional needs, Pridenoshame delivers monthly food supplies to ensure he receives proper nourishment. We are pleased to report that Messi has gained 3.5 kilos, bringing his weight to 12.5 kilos. His doctor has advised that a follow-up appointment can be scheduled once Messi reaches 13 kilos, and we are optimistic about scheduling the surgery soon thereafter. Messi’s next check-up is planned for October, and we remain hopeful about his continued progress.

2. Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Campaign in Rural Rwanda

Pridenoshame is also dedicated to improving menstrual hygiene management (MHM) for schoolgirls and women in rural communities. Our recent MHM initiative focused on the distribution of organic sanitary pads and health education in the Huye, Gisagara, and Nyaruguru districts. This project was developed to address the pressing need for menstrual hygiene products and education in underserved areas, aiming to empower girls, reduce school absenteeism, and break the stigmas associated with menstruation.

Distribution of Organic Sanitary Pads

Sanitary pad distributions were conducted across nine selected schools within three districts, ensuring that girls in these regions were provided with adequate hygiene products to manage their menstrual cycles. A total of 7,968 sanitary pads were distributed to schoolgirls as follows:

District                   School Name                             Total Pads Distributed

Huye                       GS Nkubi                                    1823

Gisagara                 ES Muganza TSS                       464

                                GS Cyumba                                947

                                GS Janja                                     818

Nyaruguru              GS Mata                                      1322

                                GS Rwamiko                               950

                                EP Nyamyumba                          220

                                Nyamyumba SS                          869

                                GS Ramba                                   563

Total                                                                             7,968

Health Education Sessions

In addition to the pad distribution, Pridenoshame organized comprehensive health education sessions at each school. These sessions were designed to promote awareness and understanding of menstruation while reducing stigma and dispelling myths surrounding the topic. The key topics covered included:

• Understanding Menstruation: Educating girls on the biological process, its duration, and variability.
• Proper Menstrual Hygiene Practices: Highlighting the importance of using clean sanitary products, changing pads regularly, and maintaining personal hygiene during menstruation.
• Reducing Stigma and Myths: Addressing common misconceptions and fostering open, positive discussions to normalize menstruation.
• Preventing Infections: Teaching girls about cleanliness to prevent urinary and reproductive tract infections.

These sessions were facilitated by trained Pridenoshame representatives, working closely with school staff and local health officials to ensure culturally relevant and accessible content.

Impact Assessment

• Improved Access to Sanitary Products: By distributing 7,968 sanitary pads, we provided immediate support to girls who previously had limited or no access to menstrual hygiene products. This intervention will help girls manage their periods for several months, reducing disruptions in their education.
• Increased Awareness on Menstrual Hygiene: The health education sessions were successful in raising awareness about proper menstrual hygiene practices and dispelling myths, contributing to a better understanding of menstruation. The reduction in stigma has also encouraged more open discussions, supporting gender equality.
• Reduced School Absenteeism: With access to sanitary pads, schoolgirls are less likely to miss school during their periods, improving attendance and supporting their academic performance.

To continue welfare initiatives, production and distributing organic sanitary pads in additional rural areas across Rwanda, we need your support. Your generosity plays a vital role in ensuring that women and girls in these communities have access to hygiene products, promoting their health, dignity, and well-being.

With your continued assistance, we can reach even more communities and make a lasting difference. We urge you to support this important mission and contribute to positive change for women and girls across Rwanda. Together, we can create a future where menstrual hygiene is a right, not a barrier.

Thank You for Your Support!