Menstruation | Walkfree Children's Foundation

We mostly hear myths about menstruation as Ugandans. And often, these myths lead to young women to feeling embarrassed and outcasted for experiencing something that happens to them every month.

WHY MENSTRUAL HYGIENE MATTERS

Nearly half of the population of girls in Uganda are unaware of menstruation before their first period. This lack of education leaves them unprepared and vulnerable to fear and shame and cultural myths- Such as the belief that menstruating girls are unclean and should be isolated- perpetuate stigma and discrimination. These misconceptions can lead to serious consequences, including social exclusion, and lack of participation in daily life and mental health challenges.

Reports reveal that 28% of girls in Uganda miss school during menstruation due to embarrassment or fear of leakage due to the lack of access to sanitary products.

Addressing these myths and lack of resources through comprehensive education and donations is crucial to normalize menstruation and empower young girls in these communities.

GIVE A PAD TO SPARK A CONVERSATION

WHAT WE DO

1. Sparking conversations (MHM Conversations) to destigmatize menstrual health: ending the stigma around menstrual health is the first step in normalizing periods and supporting health and rights.

2. Providing reusable sanitary pads (AFRIPADS) in schools to ensure they are accessible for a menstruation challenged girl.

GIVE A PAD TO SPARK A CONVERSATION

MENSTRUATION HYGIENE CONVERSATIONS

We mostly hear myths about menstruation as Ugandan. And often, these myths lead to young women to feeling embarrassed and outcasted for experiencing something that happens to them every month.

“How many more myths and untrue stories should we hear, listen and digest about being a woman on her menstrual cycle?!”

My experiences about menstruation were that I kept in bed not to be the first person my dad meets or any neighbor. They say when I am in my periods, I would cause them bad luck. They say my blood can make our land barren and cause famine. They say I can’t be around men when in my periods because it’ll make my blood flow heavier, and I might lose a lot of blood. There are more untrue stories out there.

It's time we normalize menstruation

Boys highlighting myths around menstruation in MHM conversations at St. Anthony secondary school that engaged boys

It’s time we normalized menstruation and find pride with walking out of a classroom full of boys and see no harm nor embarrassment about flashing our pads, just so it suits best for boys, men or the society.

GIVE A PAD TODAY

Luckily, I was able to participate in the Menstruation convensations organized by Walkfree. I found the workshop to be fun, dynamic and engaging. Walkfree has taught me about being confident in your own skin, body and own life without thinking “What are people going to say?” The workshop opened our minds about being content with the

way you are born. The Walkfree workshops not only teach girls about menstruation but also provide free reusable Afripads to the most needing women and girls to reduce Period Poverty.

Tukolera Batanzi House| Misaali | Nyendo - Masaka Uganda| P O Box 636 | +256 700 249 055

Tel: +256 700 249 055 Email: info.walkfreeug@gmail.com