Keeping Girls in School by Addressing Menstrual Hygiene

Research shows that 1 out of 5 girls skip school or drop out entirely due to lack of sanitary pads. Girls from poverty stricken families cannot afford to buy a packet of pads every month for the girl(s) in their household. The menstruation periods reduce their self-esteem and self-confidence as they are always afraid about staining their uniform when attending school. The situation is worsened by the unsuitable school environment when they are in their periods; lack of girls’ toilets, lack of senior women who girls can confide in.

A campaign was carried out by Center For Tomorrow to give girls an equal opportunity to attend school like boys, over 300 packs of reusable sanitary pads have been raised. Over 200 girls from 10 schools in poor communities have received reusable sanitary pads and attended hygiene and sanitation training. The reusable sanitary pads are sustainable because they can be reused for over 12 months. This has given these young girls a chance not to miss school for an entire year due to menstruation periods.

“My mother has never talked to me about periods. I am very happy for the hygiene and sanitation training because I have learned how to use the reusable sanitary pads. I have also learnt how to wash it and also wash my knickers. I wear the pads and do not miss school. I am also able to play with my friends during break time because I know I will not soil myself,” Mercy said.

Two packets of reusable sanitary pads give a young girl an equal opportunity to attend school just like the boys for over a year plus. The girls have attained knowledge on how to keep themselves clean and received the pads to ensure good menstrual hygiene. This has given them confidence and boosted their self-esteem so that they concentrate on their studies and succeed in school.