Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
THE INTERNATIONAL
MENSTRUAL
HEALTH MANAGEMENT DAY
CELEBRATION IN UGANDA
#MHMEducationUg
Table of Contents
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THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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FOREWORD FROM MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SPORTS
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INTRODUCTION
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ARTICLES FROM PARTNERS
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PARTNER LOGOS
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Acknowledgments This Magazine was compiled by the enthusiastic team at Reach A Hand Uganda with the passionate contributions from Ministry of Education and Sports (MOES) partners that share a common goal of normalising conversations around menstruation and intervening in the state of menstrual hygiene management in Uganda.
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
FOREWORD FROM MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SPORTS THE CAUSE FOR TAKING ACTION, SHARING OUR STORY - GENDER UNIT /MoES Taking Action Now’’- The Education sector family together with partners join the global community to re-energize voices of action, recollect ourselves and share in a great conversation of how best as a team we can push Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) on the list of top national agendas under the global vision, “To create a world in which every woman and girl is empowered to manage her menstruation safely, hygienically, with confidence and without shame, where no woman or girl is limited by something as natural and normal as her period”. ‘’The Day 28th May “, without any doubt you speak hope, commitment, you speak social justice, you speak breaking the silence, you speak advocacy and oh! - you speak dignity for our girls. You have defined the path for the cause, reminded us of our responsibilities calling us to action, – you have awaken and built a well felt measurable degree of the love for humanity. Great indeed is the day! As a country we are proud of the collective efforts and journey moved in the right direction. Through the Ministry of Education and Sports, line ministries and great support from partners. Uganda celebrates significant gains in the cause for promoting MHM. We have been able to integrate menstrual hygiene management into policies/programs, advocated for expansion of facilities within our schools and also trained different stakeholders on MHM. Despite the evident gaps, there is still an enduring loud voice - Menstrual Hygiene Management Advocacy! The relentless efforts and energies that keep all our hopes alive – Advocacy! Therefore, it is without any doubt that to improve
the social economic development as clearly documented in the 2030 Agenda and the Education sector strategic plans – the welfare of the Girl child at school in relation to her MHM status must be treated with utmost urgency driven by the spirit of addressing challenges/prejudices that keep girls out of school. Call To Action – “Taking Action Now”, as the global theme of this years’ MHM Day celebration. Let us further interest ourselves in looking at Menstrual Hygiene Management as a greener area for programming to create a supporting environment for MHM. Mahon T, and Cavill S, et al 2012 highlighted the key elements of MHM programming as; i) accessible water supply, sanitation and hygiene facilities, private place to change ii) available, hygiene affordable sanitary protection materials (iii) Safe, discreet and hygienic disposal of sanitary protection materials (iv) Knowledge and information on the menses and good menstrual hygiene practices (v) creating positive social norms; breaking down myths, sensitization of leaders, women, girls, men and boys (vi) key professionals (Education, health, WASH, protection, gender community development) knowledge on MHM (vii) advocacy communication, policies, strategies and guidelines integrate menstrual hygiene. Pondering strongly on the defined global mission for the celebration; “To break the silence, raise awareness and change negative norms surrounding MHM around the world and to engage decision makers at global, national and local levels to increase the political priority and catalyze action”, as education sector family we are sounding the drums loud again – All actors, Take Action Now, support girls in fulfilling their dreams as they exploit their fullness in potential without ever having Menstruation as a deterrence.
By Gender Unit-MoES
MHM Charter Uganda
MHM Circular
MHM Training Manual
MHM Reader
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
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List of Articles from 3 Member organisations 1. Field of Life; 1MHM trainings empowering champions in schools and communities 2. AfriPADS; Happy MH Day 2019 from the AFRIpads Family! 3. Reach A Hand Uganda 4. Public Health Ambassadors Uganda (PRAU); ENSONGA: #Menstruation Matters 5. Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) 6. RELIEPADS 7. Bambino Life Foundation 8. Teams4U 9. The Finnish Mission Uganda 10. The Anthill Foundation - Time For Collective Action On Addressing Menstrual Health In Uganda 11. WoMena
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
1. Happy MH Day 2019 from the AFRIpads Family!
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Here at AFRIpads, highlighting the importance of good menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is at the core of what we do. Our reusable sanitary product was founded on the belief that women and girls everywhere deserve to manage their period with dignity. Over the last 10 years, AFRIpads has been committed to helping women and girls break the barriers that menstruation creates in their lives, and helping them rise to their full potential. Our menstrual kits include reusable sanitary pads and a carrying pouch, designed to provide superior feminine hygiene protection and comfort. The Deluxe Menstrual Kit provides both women and schoolgirls with complete menstrual protection for 12+ months. AFRIpads are the first and only brand of reusable sanitary pads to achieve Q-Mark certification from the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS).
To date, we’ve reached nearly 3.5 million women and girls around the world! AFRIpads remains committed to local manufacturing and we are proud to exemplify the Government of Uganda’s Buy Uganda, Build Uganda strategy. To date, 100% of our reusable sanitary pads are still produced in our factory in rural Masaka, Uganda. AFRIpads provide meaningful employment for over 150 Ugandans, of whom 90% are female – demonstrating our commitment to helping close the gender gap in formal sector employment. With over a decade of experience and expertise in designing and supporting MHM interventions, AFRIpads recognizes that addressing the complex needs women and girls face during menstruation requires us to go beyond providing our reusable
sanitary pads. Responding to this need, we offer key services to further enhance the effectiveness of MHM. These services include interactive MHM training and capacity building in the field; use and care materials in local languages; free use of our MHM curriculum toolkit; and an M&E data tool to measure impact. There is still much more work to be done but each MH Day, we take the time to reflect on how far we’ve come and how many women and girls lives we have positively impacted. This year we are celebrating MH Day by partnering with Reach A Hand Uganda on a campaign that aims to raise awareness and change negative social norms around menstruation. Check out our social media channels and get involved!
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
2. Teams4U - “It’s Time for Action” – engaging the community in breaking the silence around Menstrual Hygiene Management Since 2015 Teams4U have been working with the Local Education Authority in Kumi to challenge locally held misconceptions around MHM and the lack of sanitary pad provision. Through a survey conducted in 2016 (speaking to over 600 pupils across the district) 1 in 4 schoolgirls said they missed school due to their periods. Further studies indicated most girls were not prepared for the onset of their periods prior to menarche and had a poor understanding of the reproductive cycle. 8% of those interviewed in 2018 described their period as sickness and/or “punishment from God”. Lack of education appears to be perpetrating several myths around menstruation which can leave girls isolated and unable to take part in standard daily activities (such as carrying children and walking the normal route to school). Sensitivity, alongside factual evidence, would be required in handling these misconceptions passed down from mother to daughter and friend to friend (over half of the girls interviewed in 2018 attributed their knowledge on MHM to a female relative). Teams4U, funded through DFID and the Welsh Assembly Government, in partnership with the LEA, is working with teachers in developing lesson plans in line with the National Sexuality Education Framework (2018). These lessons plans provide learners with the facts around
puberty, the reproductive cycle and menstrual hygiene whilst advocating with schools to provide a supportive environment for the menstruating schoolgirl. Partnered schools keep a supply of spare clothing and disposable/reusable pads and invite girls to change in teacher accommodation to prevent the need for them to go home and miss lessons. Alongside head-teachers and the LEA, Teams4U are advocating for sanitary pad saving schemes and liaising with parents on how best to support young people through their adolescence. The charity has also hosted discussion groups with religious leaders and district health workers to engage them in raising what beliefs or issues may be preventing girls getting involved in community activities post-menarche. As part of this process, local nurses are invited into schools to emphasise that periods are a normal and healthy function of the reproductive cycle, answer pupils’ questions and give advice on how to handle period pain. Teams4U have been encouraged to record improvements in schoolgirls’ attendance since starting this project and have measured an increase in schoolgirls’ knowledge on MHM after their completion of the devised curriculum.
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
BE FREE TO BE YOU WERE
WHO
BE BORN TO
The second project PHAU is implementing this year is the ‘Bfree’ project based in Adjumani District. The 18-month project is sub-granted from UNFPA and Women’s Global Health Innovations. The project pilots a newly developed antibacterial ‘Bfree’ menstrual cup - a cup which does not require water for boiling or cleaning like others. The menstrual cup lasts for more than 10 years and is a sustainable solution to menstrual hygiene challenges in Uganda especially in a refugee context where there is limited access to privacy, water and toilet facilities. Refugee and host communities will be targeted as we work in 2 secondary schools to improve water, sanitation and hygiene facilities and choice of sustainable MHM products for students. Both menstrual cups and reusable pads will be given to female students and hygiene kits for male students, as well as trainings and interactive sensitizations on proper menstrual hygiene management.
WHAT DO WE TEACH IN A
MENSTRUAL HEALTH TRAINING ?
Both boys and girls attend the training from primary to secondary level to explain how to support their fellow classmates during menstruation, and normalise the process. The trainings are interactive and allow students to move around in stations to learn about different topics from young and enthusiastic public health experts. Several topics are covered including ‘What is Menstruation?’ ‘The Female Reproductive System’, ‘Menstrual Hygiene Products’, ‘Pain Management’, ‘Story Sharing’’ and ‘The Menstrual Cycle’.
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
Reliepads incorporating Menstrual hygiene into Community Programs RELIEFPAD has proactively helped break the silence and build awareness about the fundamental role that good Menstrual Hygiene Management plays in enabling women and girls to reach their full potential. Given the multiple challenges women and adolescent girls face, it is evident that promoting Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) is not only a sanitation matter but it is also an important step towards safeguarding the dignity, bodily integrity and overall life opportunities of women and girls. In line with its overall commitment to promoting gender equality, RELIEFPAD is engaged in furthering the MHM agenda. Through a range of technical and analytical initiatives it aims to better understand and address issues of MHM, and to thereby elevate the dialogue on the importance of MHM. In the lead up to the Menstrual Hygiene Day 2019, we extend our sincerest appreciation to our organizational partners namely UNICEF, IOM, ICRC, Finn Church AID, Danish Refugee Council, Norwegian Refugee Council, Lutheran World Federation, ChildFund, Infectious Disease Institute, Samaritan’s Purse, Oxfam, Mercy Corps, World Vision, ZOA, Action Against Hunger, PLAN International, UNHCR and many more others. These stakeholders have given us opportunities to deal with MHM head on through a number of ways; 1. Through a mutual business understanding, we supply them these Reusable Sanitary towels for distribution to their beneficiaries in Refugee Settlements, Schools and Community settings 2. They also mandate us to educate these beneficiaries on how to use these Reusable sanitary towels and the overall Menstrual Hygiene Management. 3. Some specific organizations such as Cheshire Services Uganda a local organization working to uplift the quality of life of Persons with Disabilities, tasked us with a number of primary schools under their support in a pilot study to donate these Reusable sanitary towels and work with the disabled children. 4. These organizations also engage as in ‘Train the trainer’ MHM sessions in turn these teachers go impart this MHM knowledge to the end users
To ensure thorough MHM practices, RELIEPADS through its parent company Reliefline (U) Ltd encourage organizations to not only procure the Reusable Sanitary towels but to go ahead and mandate us to supply them the entire Hygienic kit that comprises of knickers, Washing Soap, Kitenge, Jerry cans, Sanitary bags, buckets, Bathing soap etc. The items in a dignity kit vary according to organizational expectations and budget As a stockholder, we realize we can do much more for MHM than we have done already therefore we plan to start teaching our partners and their beneficiaries how to make their own pads to ensure sustainability. We also call upon the different partners that we may have not worked with in the MHM agenda to form strategic synergies and elevate this dialogue to another level.
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
4. FAWE Uganda Championing Improvement of Menstrual Hygiene Management in Schools and Communities Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Uganda Chapter was established in 1997 and is one of the 34 National Chapters of FAWE, a pan African Non-governmental Organization. Goal is accelerating female participation in education and closing the gender gap within the education system at all levels. On 28th May, 2019 FAWE Uganda will join the rest of the world to celebrate the Menstrual Hygiene Management Day. The day will be celebrated under the theme “It’s time for action”. It’s meant to reflect and analyze the multiple challenges girls face in pursuit of their education and dreams including dealing with menstruation hygiene management both in schools and communities. As part of the pre-activities to mark the celebrations, on 24th - 25th April, 2019 FAWE Uganda joined the Ministry of Education and Sports – Gender unit and other Civil Society Organizations to hold pre-menstrual Hygiene Day awareness activities. The activities, aimed at promoting awareness on menstrual hygiene management to adolescent girls at school, sensitizing and educating the school management committees on menstrual hygiene and requirements of girls, educating boys on menstrual hygiene and importance of providing peer to peer support to adolescents and menstruating girls and support them learn and practice good menstrual hygiene management. It also focused on advocating for stakeholder’s participation in supporting and mainstreaming MHM in their work especially in health, Education, WASH and Protection with specific focus on the girl child. FAWE Uganda held a number of activities including; conducting school and community
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA
awareness on menstrual hygiene management, school level debates, and provision of 100 cartons (180 pieces) of emergency disposable menstrual hygiene sanitary towels to 10 primary schools in Palabek refugee settlement camps and host communities in Lamwo district. The activities were appreciated by the schools and sanitary towels were welcomed amidst cheers and jubilation from school administrators and learners. Mrs. Harriet Tukwaktsidwe, the Head Teacher of Canaan Primary School said, “I appreciate FAWE Uganda for visiting and conducting the different activities in our school including debates which have built the confidence of girls as they are able to freely express themselves. Sanitary towels have helped keep girls in school as opposed to previously when they used to miss school because they lacked sanitary towels and were fearing periods to come into class in presence of boys who stigmatize them. They have helped girls concentrate in class led to improved performance among girls as they are able to compete with the boys.” The activities were attended by school administrators, teachers, learners and FAWE Uganda staff. Overtime, through different programmes -Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health, Gender Responsive Pedagogy, CEDAW, Violence against Children and mentorship trainings the Organization has built capacity of thousands of girls with skills on sexual maturation, menstrual hygiene management; creation of safe corners and changing rooms in schools, provision of emergency uniforms and underwear, making and use of reusable menstrual hygiene towels.
Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
Mrs. Susan Opok Tumusiime, Executive Director FAWE Uganda handing over cartoons of emergency Menstrual Hygiene Sanitary towels to Mr. Akera Johnson Okela, Head Teacher of Dicwinyi Pimary School at Alimotiko village, Palabek Kal S/C.
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
5. Bambino Life Foundation Bambino Life Foundation strongly believes that a nation prospers when its young girls, its women who are the force and the face of the country prosper. On 27th April 2019, Bambino Life Foundation did a girls’ outreach program at Gweri Secondary School (located 10km from Soroti town, the eastern part of Uganda) where they trained and coached as many as 500 young girls. The impelling force behind the program was to encourage and promote sustainable development. The boot camp touched essential basics of menstrual hygiene where the girls were taught to make reusable sanitary pads which could easily last for a year. The raw materials like cotton towel, threads and buttons were outsourced through donations. Apart from promoting period hygiene, the initiative also allowed young girls to be independent and fearless during their menstrual cycle.
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
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“Now I can walk freely during my menstrual cycle as I can protect myself well against any leakage. Thanks to Bambino!” Stella goes to Gweri secondary school, located 10km from Soroti town (Rural parts of Soroti)
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
6. Menstrual Hygiene Management trainings empowering champions in schools and communities By Daniel Semaganda
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“ I am very glad that Fields of Life brought the IAM GIRL project to our school. I was selected and trained as one of the IAG champions. I have learnt and benefited a lot as a champion. I learnt how to make reusable Menstrual Pads and liquid soap. These days I have no worry whatsoever about going into my periods. We make our own pads at school, they are readily available with the senior woman teacher in case any girl needs them. Also because of sensitization, boys no longer laugh at us when we are in our periods. ”
Esther Nakato, a Primary Seven pupil from Nakasozi Primary School in Kassanda district. In 2013, Fields of Life (FoL) under its Water and Sanitation and Hygiene department committed itself to promoting school health as a way of ensuring that schools were safer for the learners to be able to fully participate in their education. Through research, it was realized that the biggest challenge for most of the schools was how to manage Menstrual Hygiene. Many teachers and girls in the schools that were visited testified that a number of the girls had dropped out of school because they had experienced their period in public, which was very embarrassing for them. The girls had then been victimized by especially the boys causing them to lose their self-esteem and abscond from school.
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
Fields of Life with support from donors like Irish Aid, Mcclay foundation, Bishop Appeal and individuals, runs a project in schools dubbed IAM GIRL (IAG). The project aims to alleviate barriers to education faced by the adolescent girls and other children in the surrounding communities of Mityana, Mubende and Kassanda districts in Uganda. The project focuses on improving school attendance and retention, personal and menstrual hygiene management, child protection, Gender Based Violence and promoting school feeding for adolescent girls and boys. Fields of life adopted a participatory approach where champions are trained to properly manage Menstrual Hygiene in order for them to be the drivers of change in their schools and communities. The champions who are from 106 schools and the surrounding communities comprise of teachers, school boys, girls and community members. A total of 530 IAM GIRL champions have been trained with skills in making Reusable Menstrual Pads (RUMPs), liquid soap and management of proper Sanitation and Hygiene. For the year 2018, the champions managed to train a total of 115 pupils from 13 schools. Menstrual Hygiene trainings have also been conducted in 90 schools to empower teachers and learners with information regarding proper menstrual hygiene management.
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
7. Public Health Ambassadors Uganda (PHAU)’s Work in Menstrual Hygiene Management ENSONGA: #Menstruation Matters
PHAU has been working in the community conducting outreaches to support menstrual health management in schools since June 2016. In our projects we use youth-led trainings and interactive messages to reach students (both boys and girls) on MHM. The main project we have been working on is called ‘Ensonga’, which targets school students in Wakiso District. The name ‘Ensonga’, meaning ‘The issue’, in Luganda, aims to break the silence around menstruation. It addresses stigma and taboos around menstruation as well as product usage and access to water and sanitation facilities, that may prevent girls from attending class and may even cause them to drop out of school.
Project Impact: June 2016 to June 2017 & June 2018 to June 2019 5129 male and female school students and
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
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their teachers trained in menstrual hygiene management and good sanitation and hygiene in 9 schools in Wakiso District. 9 Sanitation and Health Clubs formed to provide ambassadors for good health and sanitation and for peer support in schools. 100 Handbooks on MHM distributed to school libraries and health clubs, over 100 ‘Ensonga’ t shirts, 33 Talking Compound Messages on MHM installed. 300 reusable AFRIpads & 10 menstrual cups distributed, 60 students trained in making reusable pads and 4 sewing machines installed in 4 schools. 16 handwashing facilities and 2 water harvesting tanks installed in 9 schools Mega community outreach- 60 students and senior women teachers mobilised for marketplace clean up and door to door sensitization in Wakiso district.
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
8. The Finnish Mission Uganda; What if we all raise our voices on this ‘’woman thing.’’ Breaking the silence around menstruation and creating a menstrual-taboo free environment should be a combined effort by all. During one of the training, one male participant remarked that he had never really paid much attention to this “Woman thing.” Boys and men lack knowledge in this “woman thing’’ and are unable to support the opposite sex in this matter. They may be involved in just the opposite: fortifying shame and stigma. This taboo issue continues to be shrouded by myths and cannot be discussed in an open manner. MHM continues to demean the confidence of women and girls all around the world. Girls are unable to manage their menstrual cycle in a dignified manner, resulting in shunning away from attending school. Often this is due to lack of knowledge and
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
materials. Male engagement is key to decreasing stigma and achieving sustainable change in MHM. The Finnish Mission Uganda project “Enabling environment for sustainable menstrual health management” is an initiative aiming to strengthen MHM. Trainings have targeted religious leaders, community members, adolescents, young people, school going children and others in Kampala, Yumbe, Soroti and Hoima. The workshops address issues such as the types of products available, disposal and hygiene. The project creates awareness and endeavors to improve school attendance for persons during their menstrual cycle. Advocacy by faith-based actors needs to be strengthened and promoted. As we celebrate the world menstrual health day, our main focus as a team aims at sharing knowledge in order to make sure girls and women can lead safe, comfortable and confident life – every single day of the month. This is not only a ‘woman thing’’
A Muslim cleric in Yumbe demonstrating the menstrual cycle during one of the trainings
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
9. It’s Time For Collective Action on Addressing Menstrual Health in Uganda The vision of the Education Sector in Uganda is to achieve equitable access to relevant and quality education and training that enhances efficiency and effectiveness at all levels for all Ugandans. Over the years, the Ministry of Education with support from partners has registered gains in promoting gender equality and girls’ education; however there is still a wide gap at different levels that continues to disadvantage girls and women in education. Key barrier to note is menstrual health, a pertinent and critical issue that continues to hinder girls’ education in Uganda. Despite the various interventions that have so far been implemented, many young girls still struggle and face a lot of challenges in regards to access to information prior to getting their first menstrual period, managing menstruation with proper materials and maintaining personal/environment hygiene. Uganda has registered great improvement in enrollment at primary and secondary education level (EMIS, 2017) however a wider gender gap on other education outcomes such as retention and performance among others stand. The situation worsens when we focus on learners with special needs particularly girls; they face endless hurdles as they attempt to benefit from education. Beyond the physical facilities, girls with disabilities are disadvantaged by lack of information on sexual maturation, making it easy to be taken advantage of. All this combined aggravates the school dropout rates (MoE, Gender in Education Strategic Plan 2015 – 2020). Working to change the narrative, Uganda as a country needs to engage all duty bearers from community to national level on issues of education with focus on girls’ education. Our agenda should be engaging us all on Gender Responsiveness and Inclusion in the education sector and beyond. Only then shall we excel in addressing disparities such as harmful cultural norms, beliefs and practices like early marriage and Female Genital Mutilation that contribute to the high teenage pregnancy rates and death of adolescent girls.
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
As CSOs working to compliment the Government of Uganda vision 2040, we need amplify efforts of disseminating the right and age appropriate information to the young people, parents, leaders and schools to build capacity and strengthen support systems to ensure that girls stay in and complete their education cycle with zero interruption by menstruation. In all we do, male engagement is key as they too have a role to play in menstrual health management. Indeed, menstruation is no longer a girls or women’s issue alone as many have internalized it. Menstruation concerns us all! In commemoration of the International Menstrual Health Management day, we commend the Ministry of Education and all partners for the effort made to ensure girls access health information and services to keep them safe, learning and above all let them enjoy being girls. May we also take this time to recommit to reach more schools and communities so no girl or boy is left out as they work hard to realize their education and life goals with zero barriers.With the achievement Gender Responsiveness and Inclusion in scnhools, proper menstrual health management and other issues will be realized, a decrease in the rate of school dropouts, a fall in the cases of discrimination in the community and schools hence the realization of Sustainable Development Goals 3: Good Health & Wellbeing, 4: Quality Education and 5: Gender Equality. #Kisooboka By
Caroline Gwoyenda
Communications and Partnerships Officer Anthill Foundation Uganda www.anthillfoundation.org
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Figure 1The MHM learning visit attracted participants from Uganda, Geneva, and Kenya
10. Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) Integrate, collaborate, build capacity– Kenyans advise Ugandans on Menstrual Health Management Kenya is recognised as one of the countries that have made progress in policy, processes and practice relating to Menstrual Health Management (MHM). It provides key lessons to other sub-Saharan countries that would like to improve MHM as a crucial aspect of SDGs and related efforts to leave no one behind. Against that background, the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC), through International Water and Sanitation Centre - Uganda (IRC Uganda) organized a three-day learning visit to Kenya (April 23rd-25th), which attracted ten WASH professionals from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Water and Environment, Water for People and Uganda Water and Sanitation NGO Network (UWASNET). Hosted by the Kenyan Ministry of Health, the ten-strong delegation from Uganda was led by Julian Kyomuhangi, Commissioner Environmental Health, Ministry of Health. The delegation engaged in a wide range of activities which mainly involved meetings with Kenya Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health; meeting with the
Kenya Hygiene Technical Working Group; meetings with key officials and CSOs in Kwale County; and visiting MHM intervention sites in Samburu Ward. The visit was crowned with a reflection on key lessons learnt, and proposed actions for the Uganda MHM coalition.
Key lessons from Kenya Coordination and Collaboration: The MHM programme in Kenya is government led, with the Ministries of Health, Education and Gender working closely through an MHM working group. A joint annual plan exists, which makes it easier to mobilise resources. The Ministry of Health plays a crucial coordination role bringing together all key stakeholders in MHM including Community Based Organisations, Faith Based Organisations, NGOs, UN-agencies, private Sector and social enterprises. This is done through the Inter Agency Coordination Committee (ICC) and Hygiene Promotion Technical Working group. The Hygiene Promotion Technical Working group and the supporting MHM taskforce coordinate all activities related to the development of the MHM Policy & strategy, capacity building of key stakeholders and addressing standards of menstrual products. Integration: The realisation that MHM is not a standalone and it relates with other issues like food security, poverty, reproductive health. MHM proponents are using existing structures to push the agenda of MHM. Integration was also observed beyond just institutions but also in terms of activities implementation – integrated in activity budgets. Integration was also observed at the household level where MHM has been integrated with Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS). Integration and joint planning have made it possible to accelerate resource
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
mobilisation and fill the funding gap for MHM. Capacity building: Kenya has invested in MHM capacity building at national, county and community level. With support from WSSC, the Ministry of Health undertook capacity building for six (6) master trainers on MHM in India. The six have since conducted a series of trainings across the country at national and county level – Training of Trainers (TOT) at national level and training of MHM champions at county level, starting with county first ladies who create an entry point for MHM advocacy. In Kwale county alone, a total of 77 people from the four sub counties were trained in MHM. Several MHM training tools have been developed. These include but are not limited to; the National MHM Training Manual; menstrual wheel; booklet titled “As We Grow Up”, conveners manual and WASH infrastructure handbook. Policy and guidelines: Kenya has clear policies and guidelines around MHM and sanitation, which guide action planning and implementation. MHM interventions and programmes are anchored in a strong legal and policy framework, staring with the Kenyan constitution which recognises MHM as a human right. Basic education Act amendment 2017 provides for free sanitary pads for menstruating girls in primary school. Other legal instruments are: Draft Environmental Health and Sanitation Bill; National Environmental Management and Coordination Act (Waste management regulations 2006); Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy 2015; National School Health Policy; Kenya Environmental Sanitation and Hygiene Policy 2016-2030; Draft National Reproductive Health Policy; Draft Neonatal Child and Adolescent Health Policy; Draft Menstrual Hygiene Management Policy and Strategy awaiting endorsement from the PS-MOH Kenya and the Ministers of Education, Health and Gender Involvement of prominent personalities at national and county level: Working with prominent people as MHM champions is a good approach e.g the first lady of Kwale and other first ladies. Innovative approaches like the MHM lab are key for information sharing At school level, work through the school management committee at school level since they are the decision makers who support the head teacher
Figure 2First Lady of Kwale County receives some MHM materials from the Uganda delegation. Items were handed over by Rosette Nanyanzi (MOES) and Jane Nabunnya - IRC Country Director
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
The disposal of MHM waste products is still a challenge Action points for Uganda Develop an MHM policy and strategy, anchored in an Act of Parliament. Promote multi-sectoral approach while integrating and mainstreaming MHM. Bring on board line ministries, private sector, etc Jointly plan and develop a five-year MHM plan for the country, under the coordination of the National Sanitation Working Group Strengthen the school health programme Undertake an MHM stakeholders mapping exercise Need to develop an M&E framework for monitoring and Evaluating MHM interventions Documentation and sharing of MHM interventions with the wider audience Identify and continuously engage MHM champions. This has to be done strategically through well packaged information and tools for the Champions. Delegates in this learning visit should be champions t hemselves. Also involve other prominent personalities like the First Lady and Minister of Education Innovate around menstrual waste disposal managementconduct informative research on what works and what does not Build capacity of the stakeholders on MHM; starting with a National level TOT in MHM Integrate MHM in the Country Engagement Plan (CEP) and the USF Organise a media breakfast meeting on MHM and a stakeholders’ meeting to share the lessons from this learning visit. Tips from Kenyan colleagues Policy processes may be delayed but that should not discourage actors. Start on the work and it continuously enriches the draft policy Don’t create cliques. Open MHM for everybody. Anyone who wants entry, bring them in, build their capacity and move together Don’t use one piece of research to make conclusions. Don’t make assumptions. There’s a lot of research and data, only that they have not yet been streamlined. Acknowledge that you’re not starting from scratch and build on what others have done. Integrate MHM into as many programmes as possible, it speaks to many aspects of life. Also consider the ways in which MHM will help accelerate other agendas e.g Uganda Sanitation Fund Train and support champions to adopt a common message to avoid mixed messages. Standardizing peoples understanding will require some financial and human resources . Figure 3 Bulandina Tatu displays some of the reusable pads made by the Batani Women’s group
Govt should be the leader and don’t create exclusive clubs for partners who only have big budgets. Small NGOs are just as important.
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
Girls shouldn’t feel ashamed at that time of the month. Period! Girls shouldn’t feel ashamed at that time of the month. Period! My name is Barbara Namuddu, a peer educator with Reach A Hand, Uganda (RAHU) and I would like to tell you a story. A story that am not afraid to talk about because I am a girl and am proud to say that being a girl is not a punishment. I have been volunteering with RAHU since 2016 under the Peer Educators Academy program where I have had an opportunity to interact with my peers in schools. My interaction is mainly premised on listening to their issues so that I, as a peer educator armed with the right information, can help them overcome their challenges. It’s not a surprise that as a girl, fellow girls always feel open to share problems that they go through with me since they know that I, have also gone through the same. I am sure any girl reading this is nodding her head in agreement. From the peer learning sessions I conduct, I always find out so many terrible tales happening to young girls in school (but also out of school) as young as twelve. One of those things are the experiences they go through during menstruation. Burdened with cramps, heavy flow and surprise menstrual periods (since some are so young to know when the cycle starts), and interacting with rude or unsympathetic boys and men who don’t know how it feels to go through menstruation, girls are still living in terror. Getting their periods in school can be such a hassle. Some are constantly running out of class to the bathroom every hour, making sure they are stocked with enough pads, and some try to pretend and seem like they’re not bleeding profusely out of their vaginas. To some, If they’re caught off guard and their periods start in
class, it becomes their most embarrassing moment as one girl I interacted with narrated; “The shame of blood leaking through your skirt, boys calling you names, sores and infections, to mention but a few, makes you hate being a young healthy girl.” Girls can you hear me? This gets worse in a country like Uganda where menstruation is plagued with taboos. “If you’re menstruating and you climb a tree, then that tree will stop producing fruits”, “If you get periods, you must start having sex”, “girls in periods contaminate food”, “girls in periods cannot participate in schools.” etc. The tendency of thinking that menstruation has always existed ever since society stated looking at women and girls as being submissive to the opposite sex. Girls and women have therefore been stigmatized leaving menstruation as a topic to be discussed in private. This limbo has prevented them from accessing information they need. In this age and era, the last thing you expect to hear is a man or boy saying that a menstruating girl is dirty or can cause harm to others but however my interactions as a peer educator prove otherwise.. It is therefore harder for girls to be in school during menstruation because these myths contribute to low confidence and fears of humiliation by others. We need to make men and boys know that menstruation is a completely natural part of life and stop making most girls to be inducted into puberty with feelings of shame. It’s unbelievably upsetting to discover how poorly we treat young girls — kids, really — going through this biological phenomenon that is no fault of their own. To overcome these challenges, we need to move beyond the stigma of menstruation. We need to educate them (boys and men) on the importance of open dialogue on the subject. After all, men make up a larger proportion of governments and corporate policy-makers in Africa. It should be accepted that menstrual health is not just a “girl’s issue” but everyone’s issue: women and girls cannot drive development in communities if their menstrual health is not given due consideration and hey, don’t make us we feel ashamed at that time of the month. We’re not faking it. It’s nature. Period!
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
POEMS Its time to take action!!! Just imagine A bold printed headline in the news paper “A 12 year old girl forced to get married”!! Ohh!! What a pity
Its time to take action!!!! Menstruation is normal It should not stop us from schooling What we need to do is to practice menstrual hygiene And then get ready for class
It’s time to take action!!! A girl child is human She has the right to education When educated She can be a doctor, a teacher And even a president.
Its time to take action!!!! Dear young girls Keep your body clean Bath at least three times a day And wash your sanitary pad And don’t use it before its dry
Its time to take action!!! Dear parents Educate us and don’t ignore us When you educate us, Our future will be bright For God and my country.
Its time to take action!!!! Dear mothers and senior women teachers We need your help Teach us how to make pads Guide and council us When we need your guidance
FROM NAMATOVU JOSEPHINE P.7 GOOD SHEPHERD PRIMARY SCHOOL MASAKA
FROM TAGOLEZE LYDIA P.7 GOOD SHEPHERD PRIMASY SCHOOL MASAKA
It’s time to take action!! Violence has remained a harsh reality For thousands of girls in Uganda It occurs on a large scale And in virtually all settings Including homes, schools and places of work It’s time to take action!! Available evidence shows Those girls are seriously tortured and harassed In several different ways For fake reasons Including, stealing, menstruating and others It’s time to take action!! Dear young girls Stand up and rise your voices Our dear parents Educate us and don’t ignore us For we are the mothers of tomorrow FROM NAKINTU.G. GOOD SHEPHERD PRIMARY SCHOOL MASAKA
LWENYANGE PRIMARY SCHOOL POEM ON MHM Day 28/5/2019 1.Menstruation! Menstruation! Your name is everywhere, In Africa, Asia, America, Your name sounds, To every part of the world, You can’t be missed, But who are you? I must know, An occasion when blood flows from my uterus. Oh! You are the one Every month, You follow me Where should I hide? Nowhere, but to bear and deal with you 2. Menstruation! Menstruation! In my day – to-day life I keep waiting, Ready to face you At nine, ten, eleven or twelve
I develop suspicion At times, Nervous tension, Irritability, Anxiety, fatigue and bloating. But I stand firm, My family and friends are there for me They are my guards I choose to stand firm. 3. Menstruation! Menstruation I am a girl, Ready to face you I desire To know your mission I desire To be Armed Not to tremble a single minute No one’s life can you take This is amazing No one’s mind can you divert I strongly believe Oh! This is the time for action I will deal with you. 4. Menstruation! Menstruation! I will not panic at all, I am protected around me Champions are the change makers, Teachers, parents, NGO’s
Oh! It is a strong army! They have guided me Taught me how to make and use reusable menstrual pads Provided hygienic material Hand washing facilities, soap, private latrines, incinerators All for me. I will withstand, Not to tremble at all. 5. Menstruation, Menstruation! I am a girl, a normal human being, The world considers and values me, I am important, It is time for action, Through clubs, debates, mass media, meetings, films, I will talk about you, You will not stop my education It is what I treasure I know and I am sure I will handle you Together we shall stand and say Menstrual Health Management For the prosperous future of the girl child in the whole world
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
NDO NDO NDO NDO [in tapping sound or drum] (all) NDO NDO NDO NDO You visit me once in a month, sometimes unexpected But along the way, we get to know each other Your movements and date of your visit But still I’m human OHH!!!! NDO NDO NDO NDO The sound of my periods dripping [drum ndo ndo ndo Screaming, crying, pain all in silence YET!!! Visible, exposed in the open NDO NDO NDO They say we are dirty, sick, abnormal, disgrace And shame OH!! NDO It flows within us, released before us It is you It is me
It is us Its apart of us [all] RED!!![Chart of a red dot] The color of love, of passion and blood And yet feared. Like it is a curse, a shame for all But we all bleed RED! Some more than others, but This does not change who we are Human and alive [all] So!!!! I will not be ashamed to tell everyone about My red pride Ndo Ndo Ndo Ndo Red oh red A color loved by everyone With beauty and bliss But!!!Spotted in red Dying, drowning in sadness But still flowing inside of you It is me, it is you, it is us, And it’s a part of us all [all] Long lasting and beauty
Bleeding with confidence but nothing can stop it Bleeding for three (3) days and more Till I’m covered in red RED A beautiful female sport that shines out to the world With humility Ndo ndo ndo ndo Yes ndo They say it’s dirty, shameful and unclean We are creators without periods the world Would be no more…. It’s time to lead it’s time for action Ndo ndo ndo [all] From UGANDA GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
THE WOMAN
The woman, a special creation In the art of creation Designed to function In all situations Cares for herself And cares for others With a sharp unique smile That can heal anything A broken heart A crying soul Alost hope She cares and cures With two hands And one heart A woman, God’s special creation A woman, Was made so unique At fourteen the body changes The menstrual process Begins to take form After every twenty eight days Has to go through the process That’s the normal trend Scientifically Biologically Spiritually Was designed by the creator The menstrual process requires Use of sanitary towels At times sanitary pads Fresh clean water Conducive wash rooms To wash and change the pads Conducive wash rooms For privacy of girls and Constructed incinerators To dispose off the used pads
Ought to be observed But it’s a challenge to many girls at school Can’t afford purchase of a pad Coz a pad is highly priced Resorts to tissues, toilet tissue Others are rags A danger of their health There is need for menstrual hygiene If menstrual hygiene Is not well managed A girl loses comfort Ashamed she feels In class can’t settle Will decide to drop school May resort to early marriage Putting her life to a risk There is need for menstrual hygiene All stakeholders The time is now Parents and teachers The government and donors The time is now Menstrual hygiene is Everyone’s concern Parents do what you can Schools play your role Ensure clean wash rooms For the girls to be safe Government, carry the burden Provide at least a pad To a girl every month To you the girls Mwebereremu Be extra clean Then you will be the WOMAN FROM MACKAY COLLEGE NATETE
Menstrual hygiene Is the point in vogue? Extra cleanness Special neatness Ultra freshness
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
THE LAST TATOO ON MY HEART Periods, periods, periods You decided to write your name on my skirt Without my permission, I decided to wash it and change to my blue dress, You came without my permission again, I decided to keep quiet because, I was afraid And thought it was a disease Periods, periods, periods I choose to go and take a bath and change to a yellow jumpsuit, I actually don’t know how you escaped I thought I had caught you, With my piece of cloth, But you finally won my cloth, And I decided to report you to mom, Who also reported you to the police woman called pad I decided to write you on my heart because no one could Reach/know what I went through expect mom. From PRETTY BEATRICE AHEEBWA AIRFORCE SECONDARY SCHOOL, P.O BOX 9903 ENTEBBE
NATURE! NATURE! NATURE! People are whispering about you Ohh! Sorry for young ladies You are just eager to know what I am talking about; NATURE! NATURE! NATURE! From nowhere Young lady notices a river without knowing the source Ohh! Poor her, she thinks something wrong has happened to her Scared she is! Quick, quick she tells mummy NATURE! NATURE! NATURE! Every month, the river doesn’t need anyone to open the door for it, Because it knows how to open, It also knows how to close its way Without any invitation card, This river visitor comes regularly with a red card, NATURE! NATURE! NATURE! As the earth rotates, The young lady becomes friendly for her visitor, She happily waits to meet mrs.MP She receives her with a long waiting cake called pad, That’s when she comes to appreciate Mr. Nature. YOUNG LADY, YOU ARE NORMAL AND NOT ABNORMAL THAT’S WHY YOU RECEIVE THE VISITOR. “GOD LOVES YOU” FROM MISANYA HAPPY GLADYS AIRFORCE SECONDARY SCHOOL
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REUSABLE SANITARY PAD
A PRODUCT OF
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
THE INTERNATIONAL MENSTRAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports
THE INTERNATIONAL
MENSTRUAL
HYGIENE MANAGEMENT DAY CELEBRATION IN UGANDA
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