Eco-friendly pads to help 1,500 schoolgirls stay in class

HOIMA - A campaign aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene in schools has been launched in Kabaale subcounty, Hoima district.

Dubbed "Keep a Girl in School," the initiative kicked off at Kabaale Public Primary School and is designed to support teenage girls with essential menstrual health products.

The project will provide sanitary pads to school-going girls to improve hygiene, reduce absenteeism, and lower the risk of early marriage. The initiative also promotes the use of eco-friendly reusable pads while empowering girls to remain in school.

According to Madrit Murungi, social corporate investment manager at the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), the campaign is being supported by EACOP and implemented by Malaika Reusable Sanitary Pads. It targets 20 schools across five districts affected by the EACOP project: Hoima, Kyankwanzi, Kikuube, Mubende, and Kakumiro.

"This two-year campaign will benefit 1,500 girls, providing them with sanitary pads and training them on menstrual health and hygiene management," Murungi said. She added that the initiative also promotes sustainability by teaching girls how to make their own sanitary pads using locally available materials.

To support this effort, school clubs have been established in participating schools to create safe spaces where girls can share experiences and learn how to make healthy life choices as they navigate puberty.

Murungi explained that the campaign was launched after discovering high dropout rates in schools within EACOP's areas of operation.

“This two-year campaign is a pilot study, and based on its impact, it may be expanded to other districts,” she said.

Hoima applauds initiative

Harriet Kihumuro, the acting Hoima district education officer, commended EACOP and Malaika for the initiative, saying it will complement government efforts to promote education, improve health, and keep learners in school.

"The district faces a serious challenge of school dropouts," Kihumuro said. "Many children start school at lower primary, but only a few complete Primary Seven."

She revealed that only 27% of learners remain in school until completion, citing factors such as child labour, lack of school lunches, absence of sanitary facilities, inadequate access to clean water, and lack of scholastic materials as major contributors to school dropout rates. She also attributed part of the problem to parental neglect.

"A parent should know when their daughter is menstruating and provide sanitary materials. When parents fail in this responsibility, someone else steps in—often a man—who may take advantage of the girl and impregnate her."

Providing sustainable solutions

Dorothy Awori, the team leader at Malaika Reusable Sanitary Pads, explained that the organisation will provide reusable pads that last for 12 months, with each girl receiving two.

She urged beneficiaries to properly manage and use the pads for maximum benefit.

“After using the pad, you should soak it in five litres of water before washing it. Proper maintenance is crucial for hygiene and longevity,” Awori advised.

Govt officials endorse the initiative

While launching the initiative on March 28, 2025, Shafik Ntuyo, the Hoima deputy district resident commissioner (RDC), underscored the importance of training adolescent girls in making sanitary pads as a way to improve menstrual hygiene in schools.

He pointed out that poverty and lack of awareness make menstrual hygiene a major challenge, contributing to school dropouts and absenteeism among schoolgirls.

Ntuyo commended EACOP and Malaika for the initiative, saying it will help many girls who cannot afford sanitary pads.

"Many parents in this area cannot provide sanitary pads for their daughters due to poverty. This forces girls to miss school," he noted.

He urged the private sector and companies to invest in long-term solutions, such as producing affordable sanitary pads to ensure accessibility for all girls.

Addressing child labour

Speaking on behalf of Hoima district chief administrative officer (CAO) Emmanuel Ssempara, Anthony Ayesiga, the Hoima district labour officer, revealed that the district is working with sub-county leaders to introduce bylaws aimed at addressing child labour, which is one of the leading causes of school dropouts.

“We are hopeful that these bylaws will help tackle child labour and ensure that school-age children remain in school,” Ayesiga said.

Girls welcome initiative

Jane Murungi, a pupil at Kabaale Public Primary School, expressed excitement about the campaign, saying it would allow her and her peers to access dignified sanitary pads.

"Many of us come from poor families that cannot afford pads, so we end up using old clothes. This campaign will change that," she said.

The initiative marks a significant step in addressing menstrual health challenges and ensuring that more girls remain in school.