Summary:
- Nakachwa Sylivia Lubega, Executive Director of Better Opportunities for Girls (BLOG), said the donation seeks to ensure that no girl is left behind due to a lack of essential sanitary products.
KABALE: The Better Opportunities for Girls (BLOG) organization, in partnership with Me to You Organization on Friday donated 100 menstrual health kits to girls with disabilities at St. Maria Thereza Rushoroza Primary School in Kabale District in order to address the education barriers .
The event featured a training session designed to equip the recipients with the skills and confidence needed to manage menstruation and stay in school. The kits contained reusable sanitary pads and knickers essential items often inaccessible to vulnerable girls, particularly those living with disabilities. BLOG also organized a life-skills training session to prepare the girls for the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of returning to school as students and not mothers.
Nakachwa Sylivia Lubega, Executive Director of Better Opportunities for Girls (BLOG), said the donation seeks to ensure that no girl is left behind due to a lack of essential sanitary products.
She explained that Lack of menstrual products leads to shame, missed classes, and even early pregnancies. We are working tirelessly to close this gap, ensuring young girls don’t miss school and, ultimately, don’t drop out.
“We envision a future where no girl misses school because of a lack of sanitary pads. Through this training and donation, we are equipping them with the tools and skills to navigate this challenging time confidently and safely.” Lubega said.
CUE IN LUBEGA…ON DONATION AND TRAINING….RR//
Macklean Kamusiime Batware, LC3 Chairperson for the Southern Division in Kabale Municipality, commended BLOG for its impactful intervention.
“Many girls drop out of school simply because they cannot afford basic menstrual supplies. This donation is particularly touching as it focuses on girls with disabilities, who are among the most vulnerable. I urge more organizations to support the girl child so they can pursue their education without preventable obstacles,” she said.
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Sr. Elizabeth Kabarwani Akiiki, the head teacher of St. Maria Thereza Rushoroza Primary School, expressed her heartfelt gratitude, noting that the gifts will help increase dignity and confidence among the girls.
“This generous support from BLOG will make a significant difference for our pupils, especially those with disabilities. Education is a powerful tool, and initiatives like this ensure our girls have the dignity and confidence to stay in school and achieve their dreams,” she said.
CUE IN Sr. KABARWANI…ON THE DONATION…RR//
A report by WoMena Uganda reveals that 48% of girls are unaware of menstruation before their first period, leaving many unprepared for this critical life transition. According to the Ministry of Education and Sports, one in four girls aged 12 to 18 drops out of school upon the onset of menstruation, with absenteeism rates spiking from 7% to 28% during their menstrual cycle.
Most girls in Uganda begin menstruation between the ages of 9 and 15, with the average age being 13. However, cultural myths and stigma surrounding menstruation perpetuate shame and isolation, particularly in rural areas. Plan International Uganda reports that 28% of girls miss school during menstruation due to embarrassment or fear of leakage, compounded by limited access to sanitary products.
These absences have far-reaching consequences. UNICEF Uganda highlights that 23% of girls drop out of school after they begin menstruating, contributing to gender inequality in education and reducing future opportunities for girls.
