500 million girls worldwide do not have access to menstrual hygiene products. They feel ashamed, anxious and stigmatised, to the point they are unable to go to school. The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), in partnership with the Nnabagereka Development Foundation, has been working with both girls and boys in Uganda to raise awareness of menstrual health and hygiene in order to break the stigma and get girls back in school.
Throughout May 2022, the Aga Khan Foundation in Uganda raised awareness of menstrual health management amongst girls and boys in Kampala District.
Young people, parents/caregivers and other community members learnt how to make reusable sanitary towels and had the opportunity to learn more about menstrual health and hygiene. The activities were aimed at breaking the stigma, changing negative social norms around menstrual hygiene and engaging decision-makers to catalyse action.
This initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Nnabagereka Development Foundation, a Ugandan organisation working to improve the lives of children, youth and women in Uganda and elsewhere.
“There are so many girls who don’t have pads, so I’m going to teach them. I live with my father alone, so this is going to help me without spending a lot of money.”
Nabulo Patricia – participant of sanitary towel training
