RAKAI DISTRICT, Uganda — The East African Crude Oil Pipeline Ltd., in collaboration with Malaika Reusable Sanitary Pads, has initiated the “Keep a Girl in School” dignity campaign across 20 government schools in the districts of Rakai, Gomba, Lwengo, Sembabule, and Kyotera. The project aims to provide menstrual hygiene materials and support to rural schoolgirls, thereby boosting their school attendance.
The campaign officially commenced at St. Apollo Kanoni Primary School in Kanoni Parish, Kamuli Village, Rakai District. The launch event saw hundreds of students, educators, and local leaders gather for the distribution of “dignity hampers.” Each hamper includes four packets of reusable sanitary pads, three pairs of underwear, detergent, and a bucket, offering a sustainable solution for girls who frequently miss school due to a lack of menstrual hygiene products.
“When girls have access to proper sanitary products, they can stay in school, participate fully, and pursue their dreams,” said Matred Murungi, social and environmental investment manager at EACOP. “Menstrual health is a fundamental part of ensuring that girls can thrive in school. We are removing a major barrier to education and giving girls the opportunity to succeed and break the cycle of inequality.”
Mr. Kasumba Amos James, head teacher at St. Apollo Kanoni Primary School, described the intervention as timely and transformative. He noted that out of 1,203 students, 640 are girls, many of whom miss school due to a lack of sanitary pads.
“This partnership with EACOP and Malaika gives them the freedom and dignity they need to attend class consistently,” he said. He added that the availability of pads would directly contribute to better academic performance, improved self-esteem, and increased retention of girls in school.
Mirembe Monica, the school’s Primary Seven head prefect, and Nagirinya Asera Maria, the Primary Six head girl, echoed these sentiments. They stated the donations have boosted confidence and reduced the fear and shame often associated with menstruation.
“This support helps girls manage their periods with confidence and comfort. Now we can focus more in class and not worry about missing school,” Asera Maria said.
The campaign’s reach extends further, with dignity hampers being distributed to more than 3,000 schoolgirls in additional districts including Hoima, Kikuube, Kakumiro, Mubende, and Kyankwanzi.
This effort aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4): “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” Human Rights Watch estimates that 1 in 10 girls in sub-Saharan Africa miss school during their menstrual period due to inadequate sanitation, a challenge this campaign seeks to address.
Dorothy Awori, founder of Malaika Reusable Sanitary Pads, emphasized that dignity extends beyond access to products. She highlighted that some girls resort to desperate measures to manage their periods, including using soil or engaging in transactional sex to buy pads.
“We need to create safe spaces in schools where girls can talk about puberty, relationships, and hygiene without fear,” Awori said. She cited a 2021 UNFPA study revealing approximately 351,000 new teenage pregnancies in Uganda after the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Buganda region, where Rakai is located, leading with about 31,000. She expressed gratitude to EACOP for their commitment.
Malaika Reusable Sanitary Pads is also empowering girls by teaching them to make their own reusable pads through school art and crafts lessons, fostering peer-to-peer support systems.
Rakai District Deputy Resident Commissioner Mwanje Eddy praised the campaign and urged its expansion nationwide. “This is a life-changing intervention. EACOP and Malaika are not only contributing to infrastructure development but also ensuring social transformation. We welcome such efforts and encourage more companies to follow suit.”
Nalubega Prossy, the District Education Officer in charge of special needs, thanked EACOP and Malaika for their efforts. She noted the numerous challenges girls face compared to boys and underscored the critical role of educating girls in building a strong and prosperous society, stating that empowered girls significantly contribute to national development.
“This donation allows our girls to concentrate in class instead of worrying about embarrassment. It is a real game-changer,” Nalubega said.
