Comfy Care12, in collaboration with Women Choice Industries and funded by the Anannke Foundation, has been working to address menstrual health-related challenges by providing education and reusable sanitary pads to schools in rural regions in Tanzania.

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One of the schools benefitting from this initiative is Makole Primary School in Dodoma, where Comfy Care12 conducted a training session for 62 female students. At Makole Secondary School, menstruation is often introduced late in the curriculum, typically during grades six and seven. However, many girls start menstruating at younger ages, sometimes as early as eight or nine, which leaves them without the knowledge or resources to manage their menstrual health effectively. This lack of understanding and the absence of proper menstrual hygiene facilities at the school often results in girls staying home during their menstrual periods, leading to missed school days and, in some cases, school dropouts.

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During the training session, Comfy Care12 team not only provided reusable sanitary pads developed by a local manufacturer, but they also provided crucial information about menstruation, menstrual flow, and managing common menstrual discomforts, such as cramps, nausea, and dizziness. Additionally, students were educated on the use of warm water bottles, exercise, and ginger tea as remedies to alleviate menstrual pain. The session also addressed the stigma surrounding menstruation, a common issue in many Tanzanian communities, and encouraged open discussions.

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Many of the girls shared personal stories during the training, revealing the hardships they faced in managing menstruation. One student, Ms. Hadra, explained how she resorted to using pieces of cloth when sanitary pads were unavailable, keeping them hidden due to the shame surrounding menstruation. These personal stories highlighted the urgent need for more accessible menstrual health education and products.

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Comfy Care12 knows that giving girls the tools and knowledge they need to manage menstruation with dignity helps create a more equitable future for these young women. 

 

Through continued support and collaboration, we can ensure that no girl misses out on her education due to menstrual health challenges.