In Uganda, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni, has voiced her concerns about the promotion and distribution of reusable sanitary pads to schoolgirls. She acknowledges the importance of ensuring girls have access to menstrual hygiene products but raises doubts about the idea of reusable pads, citing potential health risks.
This discussion took place during the National Youth Convention, where Janet Museveni mentioned that a group had approached her with the concept of promoting reusable sanitary pads to keep girls in school. However, she declined to support this campaign. She also expressed disapproval of the name “Africa Pad,” which may be associated with AfriPad, the largest certified producer of reusable pads in Uganda.
On the other hand, Hope Nankunda, the Executive Director of Health Promotions and Rights Watch Uganda, recognizes the need for girls to have dignified menstruation experiences. She agrees with the First Lady’s emphasis on the importance of providing girls with the best means for managing their periods, like disposable sanitary towels. However, Nankunda points out the economic challenges faced by poor rural families, where even affording a meal can be difficult, let alone sanitary pads. In such cases, a reusable pad can be a practical and valuable resource, providing a solution to maintain dignity and health during menstruation.
Janet Museveni’s stance is that the primary responsibility for providing sanitary pads should lie with parents, but she believes the government should support families in developing sustainable livelihoods to meet this need.
The issue of providing sanitary pads to girls has been a significant concern in Uganda for over a decade, as research has linked girls’ school dropout rates to menstrual hygiene challenges. Activists have consistently advocated for the government to provide free sanitary towels to all girls, similar to the distribution of free condoms for promoting safe sex.
In the lead-up to the 2016 presidential campaigns, President Yoweri Museveni pledged to provide free sanitary pads to students if reelected, but this promise has yet to be fulfilled. The discussion continues as Ugandans debate the best approach to ensure menstrual hygiene for schoolgirls.
