HOIMA, Uganda – In a significant step to address menstrual health challenges and keep girls in school, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Ltd and Malaika Reusable Sanitary Pads have partnered to donate dignity hampers to 1,500 schoolgirls across Hoima, Kikuube, Kakumiro, Mubende, and Kyankwanzi districts.
The “Keep a Girl in School” initiative aims to tackle one of the most critical barriers to education—lack of access to sanitary materials—by providing reusable sanitary pads, underwear, and buckets to girls in need.
Why This Matters
According to Human Rights Watch, one in ten girls in sub-Saharan Africa misses school during their period due to a lack of sanitary products.
This not only disrupts their education but also affects their confidence and long-term opportunities.
In rural and urban poor areas like the Albertine region, poverty exacerbates the problem, forcing many girls to resort to unhygienic alternatives or miss school altogether.
What’s in the Dignity Hampers?
Each hamper contains:
- Four packets of reusable sanitary pads: A sustainable, long-term solution for menstrual hygiene.
- Three pairs of underwear: Ensuring comfort and dignity.
- A bucket: For washing and maintaining hygiene.
A Commitment to Education and Equality
Matred Murungi, EACOP’s Social and Environmental Investment Manager, emphasized the importance of empowering girls through education.
“Menstrual health is a fundamental part of ensuring that girls can thrive in school. By providing sanitary products, we are removing a major barrier to education and giving girls the opportunity to succeed,” Murungi said during the handover ceremony at Kabaale Public Primary School.
Dorothy Awori, Malaika’s team leader, highlighted the broader challenges girls face, including poverty, lack of information, and inadequate sanitation facilities.
“Many girls miss school for three to five days each month due to lack of sanitary pads, leading to academic setbacks and eventual dropout. This initiative is a step toward breaking that cycle,” she said.
A Comprehensive Approach
Malaika’s five-fold model for menstrual health includes:
- Distributing pads and hampers.
- Menstrual health and hygiene training.
- Teaching girls how to make reusable pads using local materials.
- Peer-to-peer support.
- Engaging boys, fathers, and male teachers to foster a supportive environment.
Community and School Support
Dan Busobozi, head teacher at Kabaale Public Primary School, commended EACOP and Malaika for their efforts.
“We thank EACOP for joining hands with us to ensure our girls have access to proper menstrual hygiene products. This will make a significant difference in their education and well-being,” he said.
Aligning with Sustainability Goals
The initiative aligns with EACOP’s sustainability priorities, particularly in youth opportunities and education. It also contributes to global efforts to achieve gender equality (SDG 5) and quality education (SDG 4).
The donation of dignity hampers is just the beginning. EACOP and Malaika plan to expand their efforts, reaching more schools and communities along the pipeline route.
For the 1,500 girls who received the hampers, this initiative is more than just a donation—it’s a lifeline to education, dignity, and a brighter future.
