All Girls Are Worthy Of Never Having To Worry About Period Protection

Access to sanitary napkins should never be a worry for girls and women coping with their monthly period; and yet, this is a widespread concern across Africa.

Period poverty is real and the coronavirus pandemic has only exacerbated the problem.

Due to price hikes and the overall economic impact of the shutdown, families in places like Uganda have been forced to prioritize food and other essentials over pads.  And yet, menstrual hygiene products must be deemed essential to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Sanitary napkins also provide a vital comfort, safeguard the physical health and protect the emotional well-being of young ladies.

All girls are entitled to dignity while on their period – PERIOD!

There is also a lot of misinformation about menstruation – causing girls to feel embarrassed, ashamed and in some cases even isolated from activities until they are considered “clean”.  This must end. 

Thanks to our supporters, in addition to receiving a second COVID-19 Emergency Relief Bundle (with food, soap, cooking and cleaning supplies), families with older girls in our program also received deodorant, shavers and sanitary pads. The response was amazing and it has inspired us to do even more! 

Now, you can donate $14 to purchase a Dignity Kit for a young lady in our program. Each kit includes:

• 2-month supply of disposable sanitary napkins
• Hand sanitizer
• Whistle (to call for help in case of emergency)
• Flashlight torch (for safety at night)

We want to get a Dignity Kit into the hands of each and every one of our girls who need them – 103 to be exact. Beyond this, we are also looking into more sustainable options such as teaching families how to make reusable sanitary pads. We are also in the active stages of initiating a new Income Generating Activity of liquid soap making – which will help promote overall cleanliness and proper feminine care.

According to a 2014 UNESCO report it is estimated that one in 10 girls miss school during menstruation. Some students may miss a day or two per month, while others miss the entire week – totaling 20% of the entire school year.  At Children of Uganda, we stand for equality.  We are committed to ensuring that when our female students do go back to school, they will never miss a day because of their period.

This is why access to sanitary napkins is not just a girls’ problem – it’s a human rights issue!

Can you give $14 today to help us increase our girl’s self-esteem and improve their overall well-being?

We must put a stop to gender inequalities, cultural taboos and economic constraints that rob women and girls of their dignity and the ability to properly manage their feminine health.