Boys trained in making reusable sanitary pads for classmates, sisters

EDUCATION | GIRLS | REUSABLE PADS

MUKONO - Friday, November 25, Uganda joined the world to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against women and girls. 

In that faith, Dwona Initiative on-boarded to St. Kizito Jjogo Primary School on their RUMPS for Girls program. 

The school is located in Mukono district.  

A team of five social workers taught the children different aspects of reproductive health and menstrual hygiene. 

The pads last three years. (All Photos by Ritah Mukasa)

They used pictures and engaged them in games to drive the point home. Over 80 pupils, both boys and girls attended. 

For example, they explored the reproductive organs, what each does and how girls should manage their menstrual cycle. After, the group was trained to make reusable sanitary pads. 

The boys were excited. They were fast at cutting and stitching the pieces of cloth together to make the pads. Later, the menstruating girls were given a hamper containing pads, soap and a menstrual calendar. 

Children were also taught how to wash, dry and iron those reusable pads to kill germs that can make them sick.

They were also taught how to wash, dry and iron those reusable pads to kill germs that can make them sick. 

The team launched the Menstrual Hygiene Club, which will be offering pads to girls at the school and those in the community.

Lizza Marie Kawooya, team leader at Dwona, a not-for-profit organization said Re-usable Menstrual Pads (RUMPs) for Rural Girls’ is a play-based educational model that engages pupils, child mothers and women from rural settings in fun-filled sessions on sustainable menstrual hygiene management and information to keep girls in school. 

They use play to disseminate menstrual hygiene information and products and educational books. They also train boys and girls to make reusable pads.

“Many girls miss school when they get their period. We have decided to celebrate the day with these pupils, to teach them about menstrual hygiene and skill them to make pads,” she said.

Kawooya teaches pupils about menstrual hygiene.

The pads last three years.

Kawooya added that the topic of menstruation is regarded by many cultures as a taboo. 

For that reason, her team infuses play into teaching, as a way of simplifying concepts of sustainable menstrual hygiene. This demystifies what seems to be a taboo in schools, communities and the country at large.

Dwona Initiative collaborated with Rotary Club of Munyonyo - Ngege Buddy Group, The Thinking Watermill Society, the Stutes Water project and Stanbic Bank Uganda. 

Edith Akumu, the senior woman teacher at the school said, many girls perform poorly because they miss school during menstruation. 

Others drop out of school and get married.  

Margaret Namutebi, from the Rotary Club of Munyonyo, said they joined the campaign to help those vulnerable girls to manage their period. 

Excitement as the girls received pads.

She added that they plan to continue to other schools.

Richard Abahurire from The Stutes water project urged men to join the campaign and help the girls stay in school. 

“We have provided the school with a water tank for purified drinking water to keep the pupils healthy,” he said. 

About the day

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

This year’s theme is “UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls” and invites everyone to play their role in ending violence against women and girls.