Hoima, Uganda — The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Ltd., in partnership with Malaika Reusable Sanitary Pads, has launched an initiative to provide dignity hampers to 1,500 schoolgirls across five districts in Uganda.
The “Keep a Girl in School” project aims to promote menstrual health and improve access to education by providing reusable sanitary pads and hygiene supplies. Each hamper contains four packets of reusable pads, three pairs of underwear, and a washing bucket.
Dorothy Awori, team leader at Malaika Reusable Sanitary Pads, highlighted the alarming trend of girls leaving school, particularly as they progress through their education. Citing national survey data, Awori said menstrual challenges, alongside poverty, child labor, and parental neglect, significantly impact girls’ education.
“These challenges include a lack of access to sanitary pads, insufficient education on menstrual health, inadequate sanitation facilities for hygiene management, and the absence of rainwater harvesting for water access,” Awori said. “These factors lead to girls missing multiple school days each month, resulting in academic setbacks and eventual dropout. Some girls also engage in risky behavior to obtain sanitary products, or use unhygienic alternatives, leading to health complications.”
The EACOP pilot project, covering Hoima, Kyankwanzi, Kiboga, Mubende, and Kakumiro districts, and 20 schools, will benefit approximately 1,500 learners. Awori outlined the project’s five-pronged strategy: distribution of sanitary pads and hygiene kits; education on proper pad usage, hygiene, and health management; demonstrations on making reusable pads using locally sourced materials; establishment of school clubs for girls to share experiences and provide mutual support; and engagement of boys, fathers, male teachers, and grandfathers to address the issue within the community.
“The significance of EACOP’s initiative cannot be overstated,” Awori said. “This project addresses a critical issue and empowers girls to remain in education and pursue their ambitions.”
Matred Murungi, EACOP’s Social and Environmental Investment Manager, officially handed over the hampers during a ceremony at Kabaale Public Primary School in Hoima District. She emphasized the importance of empowering girls through education, stating that the initiative will contribute significantly to girls’ welfare and school retention.
“Menstrual health is a fundamental part of ensuring that girls can thrive in school,” Murungi said. “By ensuring access to sanitary products, we are removing a major barrier to education and giving girls the opportunity to succeed and break the cycle of inequality.”
Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Hoima City, Shafiq Ntuuyo, lauded the collaborative effort between EACOP and Malaika Reusable Sanitary Pads to distribute dignity hampers to schoolgirls, stressing the importance of both education and open dialogue about menstruation.
He expressed gratitude for government education initiatives like Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE), highlighting their impact on rural communities. Ntuuyo urged students to maximize their educational opportunities and prioritize their well-being.
“Remember, menstruation is a natural process, and nothing to be ashamed of,” Ntuuyo stated. “Use the dignity hampers wisely, and always prioritize your health and well-being.”
Dan Busobozi, head teacher of Kabaale Public Primary School, commended EACOP for their efforts. “We’d like to thank the team from EACOP for joining hands with us as we strive to ensure girls in our school have access to proper menstrual hygiene towels,” Busobozi said.
EACOP urged other organizations, community leaders, and individuals to support initiatives that ensure access to menstrual products for all schoolchildren.
