Most girls in Northern Uganda rely on free sanitary pads distributed at their school but with the schools shut and community lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19, many have no access to sanitary pads.
“We used to get sanitary pads from my school in Acet Omoro District. Now that schools are closed, I'm in my village with no access to sanitary pads I have to use pieces of paper (used newspaper), which is very uncomfortable,” says Milam 17-year-old. “I feel sad and embarrassed I am afraid to sit down for the possibility of soiling my clothes.”
The measures imposed as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda have resulted in economic stress in families that are putting girls and women at a disadvantage. Many have been cut off from essential sexual and reproductive health services, economic activities, and social networks.
When the government announced lockdowns my family used their savings to stock on food and supplies, but sanitary pads were not considered. Those are normally considered a luxury. I am always glad to go to school as we can get the lucky girl pads from school,” Milam explains.
To respond to girls in this crisis, we are working with the District Task Force formed by the Ugandan government to distribute 4,350 sanitary towels to adolescent girls in Northern Uganda.
"There are millions of girls affected by the COVID-19 pandemic having been used to accessing sanitary towels in schools," Monica says.
Moving forward, we need your help to prevent and support adolescent girls to continue with their education. please consider your gift to our efforts, ensuring the fights for equality, dignity, and justice continues. You can help us to multiply this impact with your generous donation.
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