Empower Girls in Uganda with Menstrual Health

In 2021 and 2022, Days for Girls (DfG) Uganda partnered with CARE International with support from European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid to meet the menstrual health needs of women and girl refugees in Uganda. Refugees and IDPs around the globe navigate unique menstrual health challenges including lack of privacy and gender-friendly washrooms, inadequate menstrual supplies, lack of information, and stigma (check out our 2020 webinar report to learn more).

To empower communities in addressing these challenges, DfG Uganda engaged with residents at two major settlements, Kyangwali and Kyaka II. We began by meeting with community leaders in the zones to explain DfG’s goals and gather their feedback, garnering support. These community leaders raised awareness and improved community acceptance of our programs, which tackle a highly stigmatized issue. After this, we used a train-the-trainer model where DfG Uganda staff trained community volunteers in the camp to become DfG-certified menstrual health educators. During COVID-19 lockdown, when large gatherings were not possible, these volunteers played a crucial role in meeting menstrual health needs door-to-door. 

Through this approach, DfG Uganda reached 5,000 refugee women and girls with:

• DfG washable menstrual pad kits – a quality, durable, and reliable menstrual health solution.
• DfG Ambassador of Women’s Health education – a learner-centered, holistic menstrual health curriculum that provides women and girls with the information they need to manage their periods with knowledge, confidence, and positivity.
• DfG’s MH emergency preparedness training, which equips women and girls with the skills they need to sew their own additional washable pad liners in times when they may not be able to access manufactured menstrual products.

When an unexpected influx of asylum seekers arrived from Congo, DfG provided an additional 1,030 kits for CARE International to distribute, along with MH education, as individuals arrived to the camps.

DfG Uganda also engaged with men and boys in the camps, who play a crucial part in eliminating menstrual stigma and supporting women and girls in their communities to manage menstruation with health, safety, and dignity. We reached 1,500 men and boys with DfG Men Who Know education, which provides men and boys with information about menstruation and sexual and reproductive health, breaks down stigma, and activates them to become allies for gender and health equity.

This work was made possible in part by the generosity of GlobalGiving contributors – thank you for helping to empower women and girls in Uganda!