By Our Reporter
Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU), in collaboration with partners, celebrated World Menstrual Hygiene Day with a special outreach event on 28th May, 2024 at Budondo Playground in Jinja. The event aimed to address menstrual health challenges and empower young girls with the knowledge and tools to manage their menstruation with dignity.
The event saw participation from several schools, including Trinity College, Buyaba Primary School, Jinja Tree Nursery and Primary, St. Stephens Secondary School Budondo, East Secondary School, Buwagi Primary School, Budondo Primary School, Kyomya Primary School, and King of Kings Secondary School.
The event was officially opened by the local women’s leader Mama Irene (Nnabakyala), who emphasized the importance of menstrual hygiene and the role of the community in supporting young girls.
Benson Muhindo, Head of Programs at RAHU, engaged the audience by debunking common myths surrounding menstruation. These included beliefs such as not climbing trees, avoiding gardens to prevent wilting produce, abstaining from jumping games, swimming, and not carrying babies during menstruation.
As a key partner, SafePad Uganda distributed packs of reusable pads, each containing four pads, to numerous girls, providing a sustainable solution to menstrual hygiene.
During the event, a range of health and medical services were also offered, including immunisation, family planning, and HIV testing.
The day climaxed with a sports session where the girls played netball and dodgeball. The event was a success, raising awareness about menstrual health and hygiene, tackling harmful myths, which resonates with RAHU’s commitment to end period poverty and encourage young people to be innovative about the issues that affect them.