Pads for Progress: Keeping Ugandan Girls in School

Summary

During this reporting period, Good Cause Foundation implemented a menstrual health support project in Uganda that reached 500 vulnerable school-going girls with sanitary pads and menstrual health education. Menstrual poverty remains a major barrier to girls’ education, causing regular absenteeism and increasing the risk of school dropout. With support from GlobalGiving donors, this project helped girls stay in school, learn with confidence, and manage their menstrual health with dignity.

The Challenge

In many Ugandan communities, girls miss 3–5 days of school each month due to lack of access to sanitary pads, fear of embarrassment, and menstrual stigma. Over time, this learning gap affects performance and motivation. Prior to this project, partner schools reported frequent menstruation-related absenteeism among adolescent girls, particularly those from low-income households.

What We Did

Good Cause Foundation procured and distributed quality sanitary pads to 500 girls through partner schools. Distribution was accompanied by menstrual health and hygiene education sessions that covered proper pad use, personal hygiene, and addressing common myths around menstruation. Teachers and female school mentors were engaged to provide follow-up support and create safe spaces for girls to seek guidance.

Results & Impact

500 girls received sanitary pads, ensuring uninterrupted school attendance during menstruation.

Schools reported an estimated 85–90% reduction in menstruation-related absenteeism among supported girls.

Teachers observed improved concentration, participation, and confidence in class.

Girls reported feeling safer, more comfortable, and more motivated to attend school.

Beneficiary Story

Amina, age 14, is a student in one of our partner schools. Before the project, she missed several days of school every month because she lacked sanitary pads. “I used to stay home because I was afraid of staining my clothes. Now I attend school every day and I am not scared anymore. I want to become a nurse and help others,” Amina shared. Her story reflects the positive change experienced by hundreds of girls whose education is no longer disrupted by menstruation.