“Periods Are Power”
A Comprehensive Guide to Menstrual Hygiene for Women in Uganda
By Manodya Abeynayakage
Introduction
As a Computer Science student at Massey University in New Zealand, my days are usually filled with code, logic problems, and tech solutions. But beyond the world of algorithms and programming, I have discovered a deep passion: standing up for women and girls who face daily challenges simply because of who they are or where they come from. Through my work with Platform for the Needy (PLANE), an NGO based in Uganda, I’ve become actively involved in raising awareness around a critical but often overlooked issue: menstrual hygiene.
Menstruation, a natural and healthy process experienced by half of the world’s population, is still shrouded in silence and stigma in many communities. In Uganda, this silence is not just cultural—it has physical and social consequences. Without access to affordable sanitary products, clean water, and safe, private sanitation facilities, many girls and women suffer silently each month. They miss school, face embarrassment, and risk infections that threaten their long-term health. Through this essay, I aim to share knowledge, highlight real challenges, and offer practical solutions to empower women and girls in Uganda to manage their periods safely and with dignity.
What Is Menstrual Hygiene and Why Is It Important?
Menstrual hygiene refers to the effective and safe management of menstruation using clean materials to absorb or collect blood, changing these materials regularly, and maintaining personal cleanliness. It also includes having access to soap, water, and safe facilities for changing and disposal. This is not just a matter of comfort—it is a matter of dignity, education, health, and gender equality.
Proper menstrual hygiene is critical for several reasons:
First, from a health perspective, using unclean or improvised materials such as rags, newspapers, or leaves can lead to serious health issues like urinary tract infections (UTIs), reproductive tract infections (RTIs), and even infertility.
Second, in terms of education, girls who cannot manage their periods with dignity often skip school. This leads to poor academic performance or even permanent dropout.
Third, participation in daily life is affected. Many women feel forced to withdraw from community life, work, and religious activities during their periods due to lack of resources and cultural taboos.
Finally, menstrual hygiene builds confidence. When women and girls can manage their menstruation comfortably, they feel more in control and less ashamed. This builds self-esteem and encourages greater participation in social and educational activities.
Challenges Facing Women and Girls in Uganda
In Uganda, especially in rural areas, menstruation presents an overwhelming monthly challenge. Below are some of the most pressing barriers:
One major challenge is the high cost of sanitary products. Commercial sanitary pads are unaffordable for many families. A single packet can cost more than a day’s wages. As a result, many girls resort to using unsafe alternatives such as dirty rags, banana leaves, or even mattress stuffing. These materials not only offer poor absorption but can also harbor bacteria.
A second challenge is the lack of menstrual education. Many girls in Uganda start menstruating without any prior knowledge of what is happening to their bodies. This lack of education leads to fear, confusion, and shame. Misinformation and myths—such as the belief that menstruating women are impure—further isolate girls and restrict their participation in daily life.
The third issue is inadequate sanitation facilities. Most schools and public places lack gender-sensitive toilets, clean water, or proper waste disposal options. Without a private space to change pads or clean themselves, girls often skip school or choose to stay home from work.
Lastly, cultural and social stigma plays a significant role. Menstruation is still considered taboo in many Ugandan communities. Girls are often told not to talk about it, and some are even excluded from religious or social functions during their periods. This deep-rooted stigma creates a culture of silence and shame.
Safe and Affordable Menstrual Hygiene Practices
Even with limited resources, it is possible to maintain good menstrual hygiene. Here are practical and affordable practices that can be adopted:
- First, the use of clean, reusable materials is key. Girls and women can use clean cotton cloths that are washed and dried thoroughly in the sun. Sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant. These cloths should be stored in a clean, dry place and never shared.
- Second, menstrual materials—whether pads or cloth—should be changed every 4 to 6 hours to prevent bacterial growth and odors. Educating girls about this timing can help prevent infections and discomfort.
- Third, proper washing is essential. Hands should be washed before and after changing menstrual materials. The vaginal area should be cleaned with clean water; soap can be used around the external area but not internally.
- Fourth, safe disposal methods should be followed. Used pads and cloths should be wrapped in paper and either buried or burned in a safe, discreet location. Communities can set up incinerators or composting systems for biodegradable pads.
- Fifth, creating private spaces at home or school is important. Households and schools can help by providing a small, private area with water and soap where girls can change and wash during their periods. Even a curtain or partition can make a big difference.
Breaking the Silence
One of the most important steps in improving menstrual hygiene is breaking the cultural silence around it. Open conversations between parents and children, teachers and students, and among community members can dispel harmful myths and reduce stigma.
Education should begin at home. Mothers and sisters can prepare young girls for their first period by talking openly and positively about menstruation. Schools should include menstrual education in their health curriculum, not just for girls but for boys too. When boys understand menstruation, they are less likely to tease or stigmatize their female peers.
Community leaders and religious institutions must also be part of the conversation. By speaking openly and supportively about menstrual health, they can shift societal attitudes and make menstruation a subject of empowerment rather than shame
Community-Based Solutions
Solving the menstrual hygiene crisis in Uganda requires collective action. Here are ways communities, NGOs such as PLANE, and governments can work together:
First, training women to make reusable pads is a powerful solution. Local NGOs and women’s groups can train women and girls to sew their own reusable sanitary pads. This not only provides a sustainable solution but also creates employment and income.
Second, providing hygiene kits can have a large impact. Hygiene kits containing reusable pads, soap, underwear, and educational materials can be distributed to schools and community centres.
Third, building gender-sensitive toilets in schools and public institutions is essential. These facilities must have clean water, waste bins, and privacy. Girls are more likely to attend and stay in school when these facilities are available.
Fourth, supporting local production of low-cost pads can reduce reliance on expensive imported products and stimulate the local economy.
Fifth, government policy and funding must prioritize menstrual health. This includes subsidizing sanitary products, incorporating menstrual education into the school curriculum, and funding public awareness campaigns.
The Impact of Menstrual Stigma on Girls’ Education and Well-being in Uganda
Menstrual stigma in Uganda significantly affects girls’ education and mental health. A study published in BMC Women’s Health found that the fear of leakage, teasing by peers, and lack of proper facilities lead many girls to miss school during their periods . This absenteeism not only hampers their academic performance but also affects their self-esteem and future opportunities.
Furthermore, research indicates that inadequate social support and culturally restrictive menstrual practices contribute to internalized stigma, leading to feelings of shame and distress. This internalized stigma can negatively impact girls’ mental health, causing anxiety and depression, and reducing their participation in social and educational activities .
Addressing Menstrual Stigma Through Education and Community Engagement
To combat menstrual stigma, it’s essential to implement comprehensive menstrual health education programs that involve both girls and boys. Educating communities about menstruation can dispel myths and encourage supportive environments. Organizations like the Love Uganda Foundation are actively working to break the stigma by providing menstrual hygiene education and resources to girls and women .
Additionally, government initiatives, such as the removal of taxes on menstrual products in 2017, have made sanitary products more affordable and accessible, acknowledging the importance of menstrual health and hygiene
My Role and Why This Matters to Me
As a student and an intern at PLANE, I have seen how simple changes—like access to reusable pads or an open conversation—can transform a girl’s experience of her period. Technology and education can work together to improve lives, and I am committed to using my platform to raise funds, spread awareness, and support on-the-ground initiatives.
This is not just a women’s issue. It is a human issue. When girls can manage their periods with dignity, they are more likely to stay in school, participate fully in society, and reach their full potential. That’s a future worth investing in.
Conclusion
Menstrual hygiene is not just about managing blood—it’s about restoring dignity, protecting health, and unlocking opportunity for women and girls. The barriers are real, but so are the solutions. By educating communities, investing in local solutions, and breaking the silence, we can create a world where no girl has to suffer or feel ashamed simply for having a period.
Through my continued work with PLANE and support from donors and partners, I am committed to pushing this vision forward. Together, we can say clearly and confidently: Periods are not a problem—they are power.
