28 May. 2025

MENSTRUAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT AWARENESS AND EDUCATION PROGRAM

A REPORT ON

A FIELD ACTIVITY AT MBARARA ARMY BARRACKS PRIMARY SCHOOL MBARARA DISTRICT

FEBRUARY, 2025

INTRODUCTION

Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) is an essential aspect of women’s health and overall well-being, yet it remains a sensitive and often overlooked subject in many communities. MHM refers to the practices, resources, and knowledge that women and girls need to manage their menstruation safely, hygienically, and with dignity. It includes access to menstrual hygiene products, clean and private sanitation facilities, and proper education about menstrual health and hygiene.

Despite the importance of MHM, many girls in Uganda, including those in Mbarara District, continue to face significant challenges such as a lack of access to sanitary products, inadequate sanitation facilities, and misinformation surrounding menstruation. These barriers often lead to school absenteeism, low self-esteem, and reduced academic performance among girls. Addressing these challenges is key to promoting gender equality and ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to attend school without fear, stigma, or discomfort related to menstruation.

The Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Awareness and Education Program at Mbarara Army Barracks Primary School in Mbarara District was introduced to tackle these issues by providing young girls with the necessary knowledge and resources to manage their menstruation with confidence. The program aimed to equip girls with proper menstrual hygiene education, increase awareness among the school community, and ensure access to necessary sanitary products and facilities.

Brief Overview of the MHM Awareness and Education Program

The MHM Awareness and Education Program at Mbarara Army Barracks Primary School was a well-structured initiative designed to address menstrual health challenges faced by young girls. It involved a series of activities, including interactive workshops, distribution of menstrual hygiene products, and open discussions about menstruation. The program provided girls with accurate information about menstrual health and hygiene, debunked myths and misconceptions, and encouraged an open dialogue about menstruation within the school community.

Additionally, the program included training sessions for teachers and boys to create a supportive environment, where menstruation is not seen as a taboo subject but as a normal and natural process. Through the program, girls were empowered with knowledge and skills to manage their menstrual health effectively, reducing the number of school days missed due to menstrual-related challenges. Girls were also taught how to make reusable sanitary products using available materials, and they were provided with some materials to help them create and use these products sustainably.

Supporting Background for MHM

Menstruation is still widely considered a taboo subject in many communities, leading to misinformation, stigma, and inadequate support for girls and women. This lack of education and awareness can result in serious challenges, including an increased risk of infections, missed school days, and limited opportunities for social and economic participation. Many girls in Mbarara District struggle with accessing proper menstrual hygiene materials and facilities, further worsening their ability to manage their periods with dignity.

The MHM Awareness and Education Program at Mbarara Army Barracks Primary School sought to break these barriers by providing accurate information and practical support. By creating a school environment where menstruation is openly discussed and managed effectively, the program helped reduce stigma, improve girls’ confidence, and ensure that menstruation does not hinder their education. Addressing MHM is crucial for achieving broader gender equality, improving health outcomes, and ensuring that every girl can participate fully in her education and community without fear or embarrassment.

Objectives of the Program

• To raise awareness about menstrual hygiene and debunk myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation.
• To provide girls with accurate information about menstrual health and hygiene practices.
• To distribute menstrual hygiene products and demonstrate their proper use.
• To foster an environment of openness and support for girls to discuss menstrual health-related issues.
• To promote the importance of menstrual hygiene management in overall health and well-being.
• To teach girls how to make their own reusable sanitary pads using locally available materials and provide them with the necessary resources.
• To empower girls with sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions, reducing dependency on commercial sanitary products and ensuring continued access to safe and hygienic options.

Field Activity Overview

The program was a comprehensive initiative designed to equip young girls and boys with the knowledge and resources necessary to understand and support menstrual health. The program aimed to break the stigma surrounding menstruation and ensure that both girls and boys were well informed about menstrual hygiene management.

Unlike other programs that focus solely on girls, this initiative also included boys to create a more supportive and understanding school environment. The program targeted pupils in Primary Six (P.6) and Primary Seven (P.7) to ensure that girls received early education on menstrual health before reaching puberty and that boys developed awareness and empathy toward their female peers. Due to the importance of menstrual hygiene in promoting school attendance and overall well-being, the program emphasized practical lessons, including proper hygiene practices, the safe use of menstrual products, and making of reusable sanitary pads using locally available materials.

Activities Conducted

Purchase of MHM Materials

Before conducting the program, essential menstrual hygiene management (MHM) materials were purchased. These included sanitary pads, reusable pad-making materials, cotton cloth, needles, and other supplies necessary for the training sessions. The materials were carefully selected to ensure quality and durability, allowing the girls to learn and practice effectively.

Cutting and Preparation of Materials

After purchasing the required materials, a session was dedicated to cutting and preparing them for use. This step ensured that all items were well arranged before the practical sessions. The materials were sorted and pre-cut to make the process of making reusable pads easier for the girls during their training.

Assembling with Pupils for Interactive Learning

A general assembly was conducted, bringing together both boys and girls from Primary Six (P.6) and Primary Seven (P.7). The session was interactive, with pupils encouraged to ask questions and participate in discussions on important topics related to reproductive health and menstrual hygiene.

• Teaching Reproduction: Pupils were introduced to basic knowledge about human reproduction to help them understand natural body changes, including menstruation in girls. This session aimed to eliminate myths and misconceptions while providing scientific and factual information.
• Teaching Body (Reproductive) Hygiene: Emphasis was placed on maintaining cleanliness and proper hygiene, especially during menstruation. Pupils were educated on the importance of using clean sanitary materials, washing hands regularly, and practicing personal hygiene to prevent infections.
• Abstinence Education: Pupils were taught the importance of abstinence, with a special focus on two key messages:
• Say No to Early Marriages – Pupils were encouraged to prioritize their education and avoid child marriages, which negatively affect their future opportunities.
• Say No to Sex before Marriage – The importance of delaying sexual activity was emphasized to help pupils make informed and responsible life choices.

Photo Session

After the assembly and discussion, a photo session was conducted. The purpose of this session was to document the event and capture moments with both boys and girls who participated in the program.

• Photos with Girls: Pictures were taken with female pupils to celebrate their participation in the program and highlight their engagement in menstrual hygiene education.
• Photos with Boys: Boys were also included in the photo session to acknowledge their role in supporting menstrual hygiene awareness and breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation.

Teaching Girls How to Make Reusable Pads

A special hands-on session was held exclusively for girls to teach them how to make reusable sanitary pads. This training was intended to provide them with a sustainable alternative to commercial sanitary products, ensuring continuous access to menstrual hygiene solutions.

• Cutting the Materials: The girls were guided through the process of cutting the fabric into appropriate sizes and shapes for reusable pads.
• Sewing the Pads: Using needles and thread, the girls were taught how to sew the different parts of the pad together. This step required patience and careful stitching to create durable reusable pads.
• Fixing the Cotton Cloth: After sewing the main parts, the girls learned how to attach the soft cotton cloth to the pads to enhance comfort and absorption. This final step ensured the pads were fully functional and ready for use.

Challenges Faced and Solutions

Language Barrier: Some facilitator faced challenges in communicating with the pupils due to language differences. To address this, some facilitators who were familiar with the local language helped clarify concepts, and teachers assisted in translation and explanation during sessions to ensure every child understood the lessons.

Limited Resources: The program could not cover the entire school due to limited resources. As a solution, it was suggested that the activity be repeated in the future to reach more pupils, ensuring that all students benefit from menstrual hygiene education.

Stigma and Cultural Beliefs: Menstruation is still considered a sensitive topic, making it difficult for some students, especially girls, to participate freely in discussions. To address this, facilitators created a friendly environment where both boys and girls could openly discuss menstrual health, helping to break the stigma surrounding the subject.

Impact and Outcomes

Number of Participants Reached: The program reached over 100 participants, including both girls and boys, male and female teachers were present who participated in the sessions.

Feedback Received from Participants:

Pupils: Many pupils expressed their appreciation for the program, stating that they gained valuable knowledge about reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, and body hygiene. Girls reported feeling more confident managing their menstrual hygiene, while boys showed an increased understanding and willingness to support their female peers.

Teachers: Teachers observed a positive impact on the students; nothing increased participation and improved confidence among girls. They also recognized the importance of including boys in menstrual health education, as it helped foster understanding and support within the school environment.

Changes in Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Observed:

Knowledge: Pupils demonstrated improved understanding of menstruation, hygiene practices, and reproductive health, with pre- and post-training assessments showing a notable increase in knowledge levels.

Attitudes: Attitudes towards menstruation improved significantly, with girls feeling more empowered and boys displaying greater empathy and understanding towards their female classmates.

Behaviors: Many girls reported practicing better hygiene management, including the proper use of sanitary products. Additionally, there was an increased willingness among boys to discuss and support menstrual health issues openly.

Lessons Learned

Need for Continuous Support: A single session is not enough to address all menstrual hygiene management concerns. Regular follow-up activities and continuous education on the subject are essential for long-term impact.

Importance of Including Boys: The involvement of boys in menstrual health education plays a critical role in breaking taboos and fostering a more inclusive school environment. Boys who participated in the program showed increased respect and understanding toward menstrual health topics.

Empowerment through Practical Learning: Teaching girls how to make reusable pads was an effective way to provide sustainable solutions. The hands-on session not only equipped them with an essential skill but also ensured access to menstrual hygiene products even in resource-limited settings.

Recommendations for Future MHM Programs

Integration into School Curriculum: Menstrual hygiene management should be integrated into the school syllabus to ensure that all students receive continuous and structured education on the topic.

Providing Sustainable Solutions: Future programs should emphasize the importance of reusable sanitary products, ensuring that all girls can access affordable and sustainable menstrual hygiene products.

Community Engagement: Parents, guardians, and community leaders should be involved in menstrual health education to reinforce support systems for girls both at home and in school.

Conclusion

The Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Awareness and Education Program at Mbarara Army Barracks Primary School was a success, achieving its objectives and positively impacting both boys and girls.

Summary of Achievements:

• The program reached over 100 participants, including girls, boys, and several teachers.
• Pupils were educated on reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, and body hygiene.
• Girls were taught how to make reusable pads using locally available materials.
• Boys actively participated in discussions, contributing to breaking the stigma around menstruation.
• Menstrual hygiene products were distributed to girls in need.

Overall Impact on the Target Audience:

• Increased knowledge, positive attitude changes, and improved behaviors related to menstrual hygiene management were observed.
• Girls reported feeling more confident in managing their menstrual hygiene.
• Teachers noted improvements in girls’ participation and school attendance.
• The program successfully contributed to creating a more open and supportive school environment for menstrual health discussions.