425 school girls received education on menstrual hygiene on 2nd June 2023 from Nkumba Primary school, Entebbe, Wakiso, as FMP marked the International Menstruation Hygiene Day.
Girls at Nkumba Primary school learning about Menstrual Cups on Menstrual Hygiene Day
The ducation sessions as part of FMP’s intervention- Girls Empowering Girls- which is responding to the challenges faced by school girls, largely limited access to correct menstrual hygiene information, myths shrouded around menstruation, taboos that abhor topics on menstruation and commodities challenges. The intervention which targets fishing communities where nearly 40% of girls miss lessons or drop out of school due to menstruation.
Some of the girls at Nkumba Primary School displaying some of the key menstrual hygiene messages
Menstrual Hygiene Day is marked on 28th May every year across the globe. This year, the date coincided with the school term opening date which made FMP to readjust to mark it on 2nd June 2023.
In her opening remarks, Ms Polyne Nabwire , FMP’s Programs and Communications Coordinator said FMP is focusing on girls identifying menstrual hygiene as a cause. ” No girl should miss school because of menstruation, a normal happening. We are working to raise to raise awareness, train teachers and create a body of peer educators who are capable to support fellow learners on menstrual issues. We are creating partnerships with various manufacturers of menstrual hygiene commodities and as well introducing long lasting reusable menstrual cup,” she said.
Speaking to learners, Dr. Charles Babutunga explained the term menstrual cycle in detail, noting that one should bleed three to nine days; beyond which he said that would be abnormal. Dr. Charles emphasized proper hygiene during menstruation periods. He said that improper hygiene during menstruation exposes girls to infections like candida, gonorrhea among others. While concluding his presentation, he called upon learners to make a commitment to practice proper personal hygiene.
Dr Charles Babutunga a Medical Officer at Mulago Regional Referral Hospital demonstrating to girls on how to use a menstrual cup
Nurse Jane Adeke from FMP demonstrated to girls on how to insert pads on knickers to avoid staining uniforms with blood. Learners were exposed to sanitary products available; that is disposable and reusable sanitary pads.
Nurse Jane of FMP demonstrating to girls at Nkumba Primary School on how to insert a reusable sanitary knicker on a knicker.
Amazing work