Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-24 13:53:00
The Rotarians of Kampala Sunshine are advocating for the government to uphold its promise of providing free sanitary pads to every girl in school. Ms Jill Kyatuheire, the vice president of the club, emphasized the importance of this initiative as many young girls are forced to miss school during their menstrual cycle due to the inability to afford sanitary pads. She stressed that if the government is truly committed to improving girls’ education, it must prioritize the provision of free sanitary pads in schools.
During the launch of the ending menstrual poverty program at Naguru Katali Primary School, Ms Kyatuheire outlined the goal of the program, which is to enhance menstrual hygiene among girls by empowering them with the skills to make reusable sanitary pads. In collaboration with Malaika sanitary pads, the project aims to reach over 800 vulnerable girls in Naguru, a suburb of Kampala. Additionally, Ms Kyatuheire expressed their intention to extend the program to include vulnerable girls and women in the wider community if their resources allow.
Despite President Museveni’s promise in 2015 to provide free sanitary pads to school-going girls, the commitment has not been fulfilled, nine years later. Ms Matilda Tino, the Director of Studies at Naguru Katali Primary School, highlighted the positive impact that the project would have on girls’ education and lives. She acknowledged that many girls from low-income families often miss school during their menstrual period due to the financial burden of purchasing sanitary pads. Ms Tino hopes that the program will reduce absenteeism among female students and enable them to continue their education without interruption.
Mr Robert Ssemakula, the Rotary Assistant District Governor, encouraged girls to prioritize their studies and avoid engaging in risky behavior such as early sexual activity to prevent unwanted pregnancies. He emphasized the importance of education and urged the girls to work hard towards achieving their future goals.
According to a report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2014, an estimated one in ten girls in Sub-Saharan Africa misses about four to five days of school per month due to menstrual issues. The report also indicates a significant increase in absenteeism among adolescent girls, ranging from 33 to 61 percent, as a result of inadequate menstrual hygiene provisions.
In conclusion, the efforts of the Rotarians of Kampala Sunshine to address menstrual poverty and improve menstrual hygiene among girls are commendable. By advocating for the government to fulfill its promise of providing free sanitary pads in schools, the club is contributing to the overall well-being and educational success of young girls in Uganda. It is essential for stakeholders at all levels to prioritize initiatives that support girls’ education and empower them to overcome challenges related to menstrual hygiene.
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