Some of the BUPECHIU team training teachers how to teach girls to make reusable sanitary products cheaply.

GIRLS’ HEALTH AND HYGIENE

When girls start menstruating, they face even greater barriers to education and changes to themselves.

We came across villages which do not have access to sanitary products. In some, menstruation is a taboo subject. In these villages, girls will have to leave the safety of their village to sit on a pile of sand or dirt for days on end, until they have finished bleeding. This puts them at a risk of predators such as lions, leopards, snakes and worst of all – men.

In other areas, the cost of sanitary products is prohibitive. For example, comparing wages and costs to the UK, it might cost a Ugandan girl the equivalent of £100 per month to pay for sanitary pads.

Girls are often so ashamed of what is happening to their bodies, they drop out of school.  Some will agree to inappropriate marriages to men aged in their 30’s, 40’s 50’s.

Colleagues tell me they have found young girls who admitted to selling themselves to men in order to buy sanitary products.

EmpowerKisiizi was set up to provide re-usable sanitary products and teach women/girls how to make their own out of recycled and scrap materials. BUPECHIU is working with EmpowerKisiizi to extend this work across Uganda.

Teaching girls how to make their own sanitary products is enabling them to stay in education. The effect of this project on girl’s lives cannot be underestimated.

Bras and pants

One senior policeman told us that he estimated that girls and women without adequate underwear, would be five times more likely to be sexually assaulted, raped or even murdered.

There are many women and girls that cannot afford underwear and many more that do not know how to measure themselves for the correct bra size. Thanks to the many people who have donated bras (they can be used, as long as they are in good condition) and pants (these must be new). Our teams have been visiting areas, teaching women how to measure themselves and distributing the underwear that has been donated. It is humbling to see the delight on the faces of young women when they suddenly own even just one bra! This work will carry on as long as people continue to donate. Like all women, these young women come in all shapes and sizes , so all sizes are welcome. We need bras, bralets, crop tops, sports bras, maternity bras and post surgery bras. Any donation will be gratefully received and transported to Uganda by one of our team. Thank you again to all those who have already donated. You are improving the quality of life for many women and girls.