Written by Andrew Iga | ED CSDP

For many girls, menstruation marks a confusing and often frightening transition especially when it’s met with silence, shame, or the simple absence of a toilet. Many girls in Mayuge about 1 in 3 – just like all over Uganda are missing school simply because they don’t have access to menstrual products. At Makembo Primary, that’s starting to change – thanks to community-led education and support.

A visit to Makembo Primary School

FlowReady and Community Self Driven Projects Uganda (CSDP) recently visited Makembo Primary School (March 27 & 28), where the school leadership expressed a shared belief: that education must extend beyond textbooks.

The administration emphasized that one of the most important lessons they can offer students is knowledge about health and hygiene. They welcomed our team to deliver menstrual health and hygiene education sessions to about 250 upper primary students including boys, recognizing the value of such discussions in building life skills.

Breaking taboos, building confidence

We know that menstrual health is more than a hygiene issue – it’s a barrier to education, dignity, and equal opportunity. So, our sessions were designed to empower young girls with accurate information and the confidence to manage their periods safely and with dignity. By addressing menstruation openly, our facilitators helped dismantle harmful taboos and reduce feelings of shame or confusion.

By addressing menstruation openly, we help break down harmful taboos and ensure that no child feels ashamed or confused about this natural part of growing up.

– Lukunyu Margaret, Headteacher.

Activities Conducted

FlowReady carried out a comprehensive menstrual health session that included education, practical demonstrations, and distribution of reusable sanitary products. The activities were as follows:

A. Health education session

Health facilitators from local health facilities led an interactive and age-appropriate session that covered:

• Basic anatomy and understanding of the menstrual cycle
• Importance of menstrual hygiene
• Common myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation
• Emotional and physical changes during menstruation
• Nutrition and self-care tips to support menstrual health

B. Question & answer segment

Participants were encouraged to ask questions anonymously. Facilitators addressed common concerns in a respectful and informative manner, helping to create a safe and open learning environment.

Providing practical support: Reusable sanitary pads

A key part of the program was the distribution of reusable sanitary pads—a practical, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution ( to 160 pre-bleeders and bleeders).

C. Demonstration on reusable pad use

Facilitators provided a step-by-step demonstration on:

• How to properly use reusable menstrual pads
• How to wash and store them safely
• Emphasizing hygiene, especially proper drying techniques in sunlight

D. Distribution of the FlowReadyNow kits

Each participant received a reusable pad kit, which included:

• 5 reusable pads plus 2 storage pouches
• 1 pair of knickers
• 1 toilet roll
• A bar of soap
• Care instructions
• The FlowReady Period Guide: An informational leaflet (in English)

In Mayuge, many girls miss school during their periods due to a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. These reusable pads offer a long-term solution to help reduce absenteeism and support girls’ continued participation in education.

Community collaboration and leadership

The success of this initiative relies on collaboration among health workers, teachers, local leaders, and implementing partners. With the support and training provided by FlowReady and CSDP, these stakeholders are creating an inclusive environment where students can learn about menstrual health with respect and understanding.

So our girls know they are not alone – and our boys learn to support and respect them too.

Babirye Margret, Senior Woman Teacher at Makembo Primary School.

Bukosi Ramada, LC3 Chairperson of Imanyiro, added:

Our local government should have deliberately planned for such interventions in government schools. This is a practical step toward solving challenges facing the girl child in school.

Our local government should have deliberately planned for such interventions in government schools. This is a practical step toward solving challenges facing the girl child in school.

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Looking ahead: A more informed, inclusive future

FlowReady and CSDP are proud to be part of a movement that fosters informed, inclusive, and supportive learning environments. As we continue our work in various communities, we stress the importance of integrating menstrual health education into broader programming.

“Such interventions should be integrated into our programming,” Iga Andrew, Executive Director of CSDP. “We work closely with parents, schools, and local leaders – this can help address resource gaps while promoting a lasting culture of understanding in our schools.“

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