Over 1,000 students from more than 20 schools came together to break the silence around menstruation in a bold event led by Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU) under its Undo the Taboo and GN Trybe initiatives. Using expressive arts as a tool for education and empowerment, the organization showcased how creative approaches can drive real change in menstrual health management (MHM).
Held at London College of St. Lawrence in Maya under the theme “Youth Innovations for Sustainable Menstrual Health and Hygiene,” the event blended performance, dialogue, and innovation. Attendees included students, teachers, officials from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, civil society actors, private sector partners, and musicians Allan Toniks and Daxx Kartel, who delivered motivational “Power Talks” on overcoming menstrual stigma.
Poetry, drama, fashion, debate, dance, and visual art were central to the program—delivered in a competitive format to spark creativity and challenge taboos. These expressive showcases created a safe space for students to discuss menstruation openly, an issue often shrouded in shame or silence in school and cultural settings.
The event also featured demonstrations of eco-friendly menstrual products and waste disposal solutions. Students presented incinerator prototypes made from biodegradable materials and showcased reusable sanitary pads designed to be both affordable and sustainable.
A panel discussion tackled persistent challenges around menstrual health in schools, including access, affordability, and infrastructure.
To reward participation and innovation, certificates were awarded, and the top three schools received cash prizes and trophies:
- 🥇 Seeta High School, A-Level Campus – UGX 3 million (Overall Winner)
- 🥈 London College of St. Lawrence – UGX 2 million (First Runner-Up)
- 🥉 The Academy of St. Lawrence – UGX 1 million (Second Runner-Up)
Humphrey Nabimanya, CEO of Reach A Hand Uganda, emphasized the power of combining education and entertainment:
“Edutainment helps overcome the silence and shame around menstruation. It creates a safe space where learners feel free to share, which addresses a major barrier to effective menstrual health education in Uganda.”
Agnes Ssebowa, Senior Technical Officer for Adolescent and School Health at the Ministry of Health, reinforced the government’s commitment:
“We want every school to be a safe and supportive environment for all learners. Menstrual health is a matter of human rights and dignity.”
Students shared how the event changed their perception of menstruation.
“Talking about menstruation used to make us feel ashamed,” said Luke, a student from London College. “But today, it felt normal.”
The need for action is urgent. According to the Auditor General’s 2023/24 report,
- 64% of female students regularly miss school due to lack of menstrual materials and poor WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities.
- In 46% of the 48 schools visited, there were no emergency pads or MHM support, and most lacked clean water or safe disposal facilities.
Through Undo the Taboo and GN Trybe, Reach A Hand Uganda continues to push boundaries—proving that menstrual health education doesn’t belong in the shadows. It belongs center stage.
