Access to Menstrual Products in East Africa

                                                Introduction 

The Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 ensure that no one is left behind by incorporating goals that touch the lives and development of people worldwide. Achieving gender equality is one focus area for Femme International, in partnership with various organizations. They aim to ensure that menstruation does not hinder girls and women from reaching their goals. These efforts involve education, research, and the distribution of menstrual products. Understanding menstruation is crucial for community members in both rural and urban areas, including women, men, and young adults. Involvement from different stakeholders helps provide support to young girls during menstruation. Femme International has been collaborating with various entities since January to raise awareness about menstruation. They provided education to 165 young girls, including 83 primary pupils from rural areas and 82 young girls in the adult learning system facing challenges such as early pregnancy in Arusha town. All participants received reusable menstrual products and education.

                                   Menstrual Hygiene Day Commemoration Week

The donations received were used for pre-preparation and sessions on menstrual health and management for International Menstrual Hygiene Day (MHD) to increase menstrual health education and provide menstrual health products to 271 secondary students and 67 women living with disabilities in Mwanza, Tanzania. According to the United Nations, only 2 out of 5 schools have menstrual education, and less than one in three schools have menstrual bins in girls' bathrooms. Furthermore, many girls, especially in rural and urban settings, miss school days because they cannot access appropriate menstrual health products. Recognizing this, Femme International managed to provide menstrual health education to secondary school students and community members, supplying them with menstrual health products.

Training and Product Distribution

Femme International successfully trained 176 students (92 females, 84 males) from Nyakurunduma Secondary School. The training covered all subtopics of the Twaweza workbook, including reproductive structures, puberty, personal hygiene, menstruation, positive relationships, and gender-based violence. The training proceeded smoothly and was highly effective, with facilitators providing clear and comprehensive explanations, addressing participants' questions, and ensuring thorough knowledge impartation. The training spanned five days, culminating in the distribution of Femme kits and workbooks on the last day. This initiative supported ongoing learning and encouraged good personal hygiene habits. The Femme kit for girls included one menstrual cup, one reusable pad, two pairs of underwear, a soap dish, one bar of soap, and one small towel. The Femme kit for boys included a shaver, one bar of soap, a soap dish, and two pairs of boxers.

Femme International also successfully trained 95 individuals (67 females, 28 males) living with disabilities, particularly those with hearing impairments, from Chama Cha Viziwi Tanzania (CHAVITA). The beneficiaries received comprehensive menstrual health education, covering topics such as reproductive systems, puberty, menstruation, and
reproductive health hygiene, which are fundamental aspects of overall well-being. The training took place at the Mirongo Vocational Institute, which specializes in supporting people with disabilities. After the training, the beneficiaries were provided with Afripads and menstrual cups.

Inclusive Training

Femme International included both men and women in their training to reduce the negative impact of the lack of menstrual health education among boys and to prepare a generation that supports women regarding menstruation, as menstruation is often shrouded in myths and negative connotations. Furthermore, many young boys tease girls in school when they accidentally stain their skirts with blood, which leads to increased fear among girls and mental health problems. By educating boys, Femme International aimed to foster understanding and support, thereby reducing stigma and promoting a healthier, more inclusive environment for everyone.

Training and Outreach
Femme International conducted training sessions tailored to different community age groups, each with unique needs. Through these sessions, they discovered that many community members, especially those living with disabilities, lacked adequate information about menstruation. This knowledge gap had left them marginalized and without proper support.

Impact on Students

Students were particularly grateful for access to menstrual health products that last more than two years. Many reported that the lack of proper menstrual products had previously hindered their engagement in school activities. With the new products, they felt more confident and capable of fully participating in their education.

Positive Outcomes
The training also included boys, which had a remarkably positive impact. A post-six-month check-in survey revealed that educating boys about menstruation led to a significant shift in their attitudes. Boys became more supportive and understanding, helping to reduce the stigma and teasing often associated with menstruation in schools.

Conclusion
This case study highlights the profound impact of providing menstrual health education and products. By reaching out to marginalized groups and including boys in the education process, Femme International fostered a more inclusive and supportive community environment. This initiative not only improved the well-being of women and girls but also contributed to a broader cultural shift towards understanding and supporting menstrual health.