Empowering Girls Through Menstrual Health Awareness

The Keeping Adolescent Girls in School (KAGIS) project funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Plan International in partnership with local organizations Rafiki Sdo and Women Promotion Center (WPC), is making a profound impact in the Geita and Kigoma regions of Tanzania. At its heart, this initiative addresses the critical issue of menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) among adolescent girls in schools and out of schools

A Sobering Baseline:

According to a Baseline survey conducted by the KAGIS project in 2021 in Kigoma and Geita regions, the stark reality emerged—only 40.4% of respondents had access to correct information about menstrual health. Even more shockingly, the majority of respondents did not feel comfortable discussing menstruation issues openly. Additionally, a mere 39.3% had access to menstrual supplies, highlighting the limited accessibility to essential resources. This baseline data revealed an urgent need for comprehensive menstrual health and hygiene interventions i among adolescent Girls aged 9 – 15.

Theresia, a 15-year-old student from one of the project sites, shared her experience, saying, “I was  afraid to discuss my periods with other people. I was aware that every girl of my age would undergo this situation, but I thought it was something to be discussed in secret”.

Theresia's story is not uncommon. Many girls like her suffer in silence, unaware that menstruation is a natural process, and that knowledge and open dialogue can bring freedom from fear and stigma.

The Menstrual Health Hygiene (MHH) Lab:

At the core of the KAGIS project is the Mobile Menstrual Health Hygiene (MHH) Lab, a beacon of knowledge and empowerment. These labs provide a safe and supportive space for both adolescent boys and girls to openly learn  and discuss menstruation and related topics. Apart from learning, they have a unique opportunity to  see and make handmade re-usable hygine products such as sanitary pads using localy available materials. By using bids available at the labs, girls can also make their menstrual cycle counting tool to help them anticipate their menstruation. Moreover, the lab provide extended services to parents and general community members to leearn about menstrual health and how they can support their adolescent girls. In Geita, the MHH Lab has positively impacted a substantial number of adolescents: 7,890 aged 9-15 (comprising 5,383 girls and 2,507 boys), 343 aged 16-18 (including 124 girls and 219 boys), and 129 adults (106 females and 23 males) by March 2023.

In Kigoma region, 791 adolescents aged 14-18 had benefited from the MHH Lab by March 2023. These labs have become hubs of knowledge, dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation while fostering an environment where questions are welcomed, and discussions are encouraged.

Theresia, who underwent a profound transformation through the MHH Lab, shared her newfound perspective, “I used to fear school during my period, but now I know it's natural. I won't let it stop me, and I want every girl to feel the same way.” – Theresia Shares

Empowering Girls to Take Control:

One of the remarkable achievements of the KAGIS project is its impact on girls' self-esteem and autonomy. Across 90 schools, including 73 primary and 17 secondary institutions, the project trained 2,250 adolescent girls in making reusable sanitary pads. This practical skill equips them with not only the means to manage their menstrual health but also the knowledge to help others.

Among these schools, 76 have fully implemented these changes, while 14 have partially adopted the program. The ripple effect is evident as schoolteachers have taken an active role in educating 1,770 adolescent boys,which has been important in breaking the gender stereotypes and fostering a holistic understanding of menstrual health and hygiene among both genders

This outcome was further reinforced by the training of various stakeholders, including parents, teachers, ward education officers, MHH lab facilitators, and district health trainers.

Theresia took action by organizing educational gatherings for other girls in her school. During one memorable gathering, she shared a personal anecdote about her initial fear and embarrassment surrounding menstruation. The room was filled with the sound of girls nodding in understanding and empathy. Theresia's story had a profound impact, illustrating that they were not alone in their experiences.

Through her efforts, she reached 156 adolescent girls, imparting to them the importance of hygiene and the need to destigmatize menstruation. She recalls a particular gathering where one girl shared her own fears, inspired by Theresia's courage.

"Theresia showed us that we can talk about this openly. We don't have to hide anymore," (One of the girls who attended Theresia’s session).

A Bright Future:

As the KAGIS project continues to make strides in menstrual health awareness , its vision extends far beyond the classroom. The project envisions a future where all girls can attend school confidently, regardless of their menstrual cycle, and where communities are educated and supportive.

Theresia, along with countless others, is a beacon of hope in this journey toward a brighter future. Her dream is to pursue further education in this field and continue her advocacy for menstrual health and hygiene.

The resonance of the KAGIS project's impact reverberates far and wide. A Gender Equality Assessment, conducted under the project's discerning gaze, uncovered a glaring obstacle: the dire state of Menstrual Health Hygiene, obstructing the path of adolescent girls' school attendance. At its heart, the issue stemmed from a scarcity of clean water, hygienic toilets, and a notable absence of accessible sanitary pads or discreet means of disposal.

But here's the exciting part—profound change is afoot. The project has resolved to construct purpose-built student latrines, complete with girls' changing rooms, transforming the landscape of opportunity for these girls. Additionally, the project continues its noble mission, putting sanitary pads into the hands of adolescent girls from vulnerable families. This isn't just about erasing barriers; it's about paving the way for empowerment.

The KAGIS project is forging a path toward a world where menstruation is no longer a taboo topic but a natural part of life, celebrated and embraced by all.