supporting girls for menstrual health in Pakistan

Report on Supporting Girls for Menstrual Health in Pakistan

1. Executive Summary

Joy Foundation, a community-based organization in Toba Tek Singh, Pakistan, implemented a targeted program to support adolescent girls in managing their menstrual health. The initiative focused on breaking menstrual taboos, increasing awareness, improving access to sanitary materials, and enhancing school environments to ensure dignity, safety, and continuity in education. This report outlines the activities undertaken, outcomes achieved, and recommendations for scaling the program in other underserved areas.

2. Background and Rationale

Menstrual health is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of girls’ health and education in Pakistan. In rural regions like Toba Tek Singh, menstruation is surrounded by stigma, misinformation, and limited access to sanitary products or private facilities. These challenges lead to poor menstrual hygiene, discomfort, school absenteeism, and loss of self-esteem among adolescent girls.

Recognizing these barriers, Joy Foundation launched the Menstrual Health Support Initiative to:

• Educate girls on menstrual hygiene and reproductive health.
• Provide access to affordable and hygienic menstrual materials.
• Improve school infrastructure to support girls during menstruation.
• Reduce social stigma through community sensitization.

3. Objectives

• To empower adolescent girls with knowledge on menstrual health.
• To provide hygiene kits to girls in schools and rural communities.
• To create supportive school environments through awareness and infrastructure.
• To engage parents, teachers, and boys in breaking menstrual taboos.

4. Key Activities

4.1 Menstrual Health Education Sessions

Joy Foundation conducted 12 interactive sessions across 8 public schools and 4 community centers, reaching over 800 girls aged 10–18 years. Topics included:

• Biological understanding of menstruation
• Hygiene practices and use of sanitary products
• Nutrition and emotional well-being during periods
• Debunking cultural myths and taboos

Each session included female health educators and was followed by Q&A segments to encourage open discussion.

4.2 Distribution of Menstrual Hygiene Kits

Hygiene kits were distributed to 600 girls, containing:

• Reusable or disposable sanitary pads
• Antibacterial soap
• Underwear and a small towel
• Information leaflet in Urdu on menstrual health and care

The kits were designed to be age-appropriate, discreet, and practical for girls in rural settings.

4.3

4.4 Improvement of School Facilities

In collaboration with school administrations, Joy Foundation:

• Installed handwashing stations in 3 schools
• Added sanitary waste bins in girls’ toilets
• Ensured the availability of water and soap in restrooms

• Awareness Workshops for Teachers and Parents
• Joy Foundation held 5 community workshops involving 120 mothers, 30 teachers, and 50 male community members to promote understanding, empathy, and support for girls managing men

5. Results and Impact

Impact Area

Outcome

Girls Reached

800+ girls educated on menstrual health

Hygiene Kits Distributed

600 kits provided to school-aged girls

Increased Attendance

Average school attendance increased by 28% during menstruation

Improved Confidence

Girls reported feeling more confident and comfortable attending school

Community Engagement

Parents and teachers showed increased support and awareness

“Before this session, I used to stay home during my period. Now I know how to take care of myself and not miss school.”
— A 14-year-old participant, Govt. Girls High School, Toba Tek Singh

6. Challenges Faced

• Cultural Sensitivity: Resistance due to deep-rooted taboos around menstruation.
• Sustainability of Kit Supply: Continued funding is needed for consistent distribution.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Many rural schools still lack proper toilet and washing facilities.

7. Recommendations

• Expand Outreach: Cover more schools and include younger age groups (from age 9+).
• Establish Peer Support Clubs: Train girls to become menstrual health ambassadors in schools.
• Integrate into Curriculum: Advocate for menstrual health education as part of school health programs.
• Partner with Local Manufacturers: Ensure affordable and sustainable supply of sanitary products.
• Engage Religious and Community Leaders: To promote open dialogue and reduce stigma.

8. Conclusion

Through this initiative, Joy Foundation has taken a crucial step in empowering girls and ensuring menstrual health is recognized as a basic right, not a privilege. By addressing both educational and practical needs, the program has positively impacted the health, dignity, and education of hundreds of girls in Toba Tek Singh. Ongoing commitment and partnership will be essential to ensure lasting change and scale this effort across more underserved regions of Pakistan.