New partnership will support girls in Uganda to improve menstrual hygiene
Windle International Uganda has partnered with SDG Youth (South Korea) on a new project in Nakivale Refugee Settlement that will help girls to improve their menstrual hygiene.
Girls in low- and lower-middle income countries struggle to manage their menstrual hygiene effectively, which can have a negative impact on their health and their education. In refugee contexts, this issue is made worse by the lack of even basic products, services and sanitation.
Girls in refugee settlements already suffer from gender inequality, discriminatory social norms, cultural taboos and poverty, all of which lead to their menstrual health and hygiene needs being unmet. This leads to girls missing school due to infections, embarrassment and shame. A survey of girls living in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in south western Uganda found that 43% of girls miss school during their periods. This is large part due to their fear of accidents, teasing from peers, and the staining of clothes.
Because of these challenges, Windle International Uganda and SDG Youth (South Korea) have launched a project to improve Menstrual Hygiene Management at Kabahinda Primary School in Nakivale through a number of interventions.
The project will benefit a total of 100 girls, who will be selected by different stakeholders. Some of the key project interventions include;
Handover of period pants to Kabahinda Primary School; this will offer an advocacy opportunity to decision makers, especially the relevant local government official and leaders to prioritise menstrual health management (MHM) in their plans.
Conducting social mobilisation and engagement through schools and local communities to support MHM.
Conduct radio talk shows to disseminate information about MHM.
Printing and distribution of leaflets with information on good MHM practices.
The project will put a critical spotlight on the challenges vulnerable adolescent and teenage girls face during their periods and will be supported to address whilst working with the different structures in the settlement.