Celebrating Menstrual Hygiene Day: Empowering Girls Through Awareness and Support
Every year on May 28th, we celebrate Menstrual Hygiene Day ❤️. This year, the Life Changing Foundation, through our "Health for Girls in School" project, partnered with North Mara Gold Mine and Seda Dynamics to make a significant impact at Genge Secondary School in Matongo ward, Tarime district.
A Day Filled with Learning and Empowerment
🌹 We provided menstrual hygiene education to over 300 students, both boys and girls, helping to break the stigma and promote understanding about menstrual health. Health professionals led informative sessions, discussing the importance of good hygiene practices, understanding the menstrual cycle, and dispelling myths and taboos surrounding menstruation. The open and supportive environment encouraged students to ask questions and share their experiences.
Distribution of Menstrual Hygiene Kits
🌹 We distributed sanitary pads to more than 200 girls, ensuring they have the resources they need to manage their menstrual cycle with dignity and confidence. Each kit contained sanitary pads, underwear, soap, and an informational booklet on menstrual hygiene, aiming to ensure that every girl has access to necessary resources.
Interactive Workshops and Activities
Interactive workshops provided hands-on learning experiences, including demonstrations on how to use and dispose of sanitary products properly, tips on managing menstrual pain, and maintaining overall health during menstruation. Group discussions allowed the girls to share personal stories and learn from each other’s experiences.
Engaging the Boys
Recognizing the importance of involving boys in the conversation, special sessions were organized to educate them about menstrual hygiene. The goal was to foster understanding and support among male students, creating a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone and breaking the stigma.
Inspiring Talks and Testimonials
The event featured inspiring talks from successful women in the community who shared their stories of overcoming challenges related to menstruation. Their testimonials served as a source of motivation and encouragement for the girls, emphasizing that menstruation should never be a barrier to achieving their dreams and aspirations.
Creative Expression Through Art and Drama
To further engage the students, art and drama activities were incorporated into the celebration. The girls expressed their thoughts and feelings about menstruation through drawings, posters, and skits. These creative activities provided a platform for self-expression and helped to reinforce the message that menstruation is a natural and normal part of life.
A Community United for Change
The Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration was a resounding success, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Life Changing Foundation, North Mara Gold Mine, Seda Dynamics, and the school community. The event not only educated and empowered the girls but also fostered a sense of unity and support within the community. It highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing menstrual hygiene challenges and promoting gender equality.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the success of this event, we are inspired to continue our efforts in promoting menstrual hygiene and supporting girls’ education and well-being. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to North Mara Gold Mine and Seda Dynamics for their invaluable support and to everyone who contributed to making this celebration a memorable and impactful one.
MENSTRUAL HYGIENE IS NOT JUST A GIRL ISSUE; IT'S A HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE. Let's continue to advocate for education, accessibility, and support for all.
Stay tuned for more updates on our ongoing initiatives and future events. Thank you for your continued support!
Life Changing Foundation Team
