Hope for Girls: Supporting Menstrual Hygiene to attain Educational goals for better future.
Date Published:
My wish is to empower 700 girls annually to remain in school, learn without interruption, and successfully complete their education. It is crucial to recognize that a woman will experience around 3,000 days of menstruation in her lifetime. Many girls start menstruating at a young age, with approximately half of 13-year-old girls likely experiencing menstruation. The onset of menstruation can have a negative impact on girls' school participation, leading to absenteeism due to cultural beliefs, discomfort, and inadequate facilities.
Girls from marginalized communities often face challenges such as lack of water for washing, insufficient sanitary pads, soap, privacy, and functional toilets, resulting in decreased school attendance. Our baseline study in 20 schools in Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania revealed that one in ten school-age girls miss school during their periods, with more than half admitting to staying away during that time. Adolescent girls need facilities that provide privacy and security to prevent harassment. They require sanitary pads, hygienic toilets, and washing facilities to remain in school and pursue their aspirations.
A single toilet block with 4 cubicles equipped with sanitary wares and fittings costs approximately USD 7,000. This investment will enable about 700 girl students to attend school without interruptions each year. The long-term impact of this support will benefit a significant number of girls over the years, ensuring they have the opportunity to receive an education without hindrance.
Girls from marginalized communities often face challenges such as lack of water for washing, insufficient sanitary pads, soap, privacy, and functional toilets, resulting in decreased school attendance. Our baseline study in 20 schools in Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania revealed that one in ten school-age girls miss school during their periods, with more than half admitting to staying away during that time. Adolescent girls need facilities that provide privacy and security to prevent harassment. They require sanitary pads, hygienic toilets, and washing facilities to remain in school and pursue their aspirations.
A single toilet block with 4 cubicles equipped with sanitary wares and fittings costs approximately USD 7,000. This investment will enable about 700 girl students to attend school without interruptions each year. The long-term impact of this support will benefit a significant number of girls over the years, ensuring they have the opportunity to receive an education without hindrance.
