Comfy Care12 met with 113 girls from Karanga Secondary School in Moshi Municipal, Shirimatunda County, to hold held a menstrual health and hygiene education session, addressing the significant challenges that young girls in Tanzania face in managing their menstrual health, especially in rural and underserved areas.

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The challenges facing girls in rural Tanzania are immense. In many rural areas, 91% of shops do not sell disposable sanitary pads, and even when they are available, they are often too expensive for the families living below the poverty line. Moreover, adolescent girls in these areas face cultural stigmas around menstruation that prevent open discussions about menstrual health. The lack of privacy, proper sanitation facilities, and clean water exacerbates the problem, making it even harder for girls to manage their menstruation at school.

During the training session, the Comfy Care12 team learned that some girls at Karanga Secondary School use improvised solutions, such as tearing old mopping rags, to create makeshift pads. This not only affects their comfort and confidence but also their overall well-being. Sadly, this issue is widespread in many rural areas of Tanzania, where menstrual health remains a taboo topic, and access to affordable, hygienic products is limited.

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This is a pressing concern because poor menstrual hygiene management can lead to severe health issues, including infections and urinary tract problems, which often go untreated due to the stigma surrounding menstruation. Girls also miss school, suffer from social isolation, and face challenges in maintaining their educational performance. In fact, nearly 48% of schoolgirls in Tanzania drop out due to menstrual-related challenges.

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With the support of Comfy Care12 partner, Anannke Foundation, the team worked to change this narrative. In collaboration with Women Choice Industries, they distributed reusable sanitary pads, which are specifically designed to be durable – able to last up to 12-18 months, and comfortable - made from natural fibres like cotton and bamboo.

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The feedback from the girls at Karanga Secondary School was overwhelmingly positive. One student in Form One, expressed her gratitude: “Thank you so much for giving me the reusable sanitary pads; I normally use rags because my parents cannot afford to buy me the disposable pads every month. This will help me a great deal and I will be more comfortable and confident even when attending my classes.”

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The school’s health teacher also noted the positive impact of the training, emphasising that reusable pads would reduce waste and help maintain better hygiene in the school. The girls were eager for more sessions, recognising how crucial menstrual health management is for their well-being and academic success.

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Join us in supporting these vulnerable girls in accessing their menstrual rights and enabling them to thrive academically and socially. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of girls in rural Tanzania.