“I used to miss four days of school every month. Now it’s only one—and sometimes none.”

Earlier in August the FlowReady team, in partnership with Community Self Driven Projects (CSDP), returned to Makembo St. Luke Primary School in Mayuge District—four months after our first menstrual health education session and FlowReady Kit distribution.

This time, we weren’t just checking in on the girls. We also engaged with teachers, boys, and—for the very first time—parents in surrounding communities. Over three days, our joint team held school focus groups, community dialogues, and home visits. We also distributed more reusable pads to girls and families in need.

What we found at the School

The girls’ voices were clear: periods are no longer keeping them out of class. Those who had begun menstruating after receiving the FlowReady Kits reported they had not missed a single day of school.

“Cases of absenteeism have reduced and girls are not shying away and even the boys are helping them. I experienced a scenario in my class when a boy came to the help of a girl with a sweater. Additionally, girls are staying in school without fear. They are now promoting their personal hygiene. We also set up a safe room for them.”

Nabirye Esther, Deputy Head Teacher

In three focus groups, girls described major improvements:

• No leaks, no burns, and greater comfort.
• Confidence in managing menstruation month after month.
• Reduced stress on parents who no longer scramble for costly disposables.
• A safe room at school for rest and changing, with strong support from the Senior Woman Teacher.
• Boys showing more sensitivity and willingness to help.

One pupil said: “I used to miss four days of school every month. Now it’s only one—and sometimes none.”

Stepping into the Community

For the first time, we took the conversations home. A community dialogue in Lwabala village drew parents, health workers, and local leaders. Together, we addressed myths, demonstrated pad use and cleaning, and openly discussed the role of parents.

Parents asked important questions:

• “Why do girls feel dizzy during menstruation?”
• “What can we do to support them better?”

Health workers explained causes like dehydration or heavier bleeding. They emphasized that parents’ roles include preparing girls, explaining pad use, and offering emotional support.

During home visits in nearby villages, we saw firsthand the struggles families face. Some households had multiple menstruating daughters, forcing girls to share pads. In one case, a grandmother shared how she used to give cloth rags for her granddaughter. With FlowReady Kits, she said, her granddaughter regained dignity and confidence at school.

Challenges we can’t ignore

Despite the progress, there are still many challenges:

• Soap, underwear, and bags are still missing pieces of the puzzle. Many girls carry books in their hands and have no bag to carry pads.
• Some mothers lack profound menstrual knowledge, and in some cases, even used their daughters’ kits themselves.
• Fathers, in particular, often walk away from dialogues on menstruation, highlighting the urgent need for greater male involvement.
• Families with multiple girls still struggle with affordability.

What we achieved together

Over the three days, our team distributed 90 reusable AFRIpads:

• 45 to community members and out-of-school girls,
• 15 to focus group pupils,
• 6 to girls during home visits,
• 15 to the Senior Woman Teacher for emergencies,
• and 9 reserved for training and outreach.

Most importantly, we left behind more than pads—we left behind knowledge, openness, and growing community support.

Looking ahead

The follow-up confirmed that menstrual health education and reusable pads work. It also showed that girls’ dignity relies on more than a kit.

Next steps include:

• Supplying soap, underwear, and cloth bags made by local tailors.
• Strengthening the safe rooms with better washing facilities.
• Continuing to engage mothers and fathers to break menstrual taboos.
• Expanding outreach to out-of-school girls and ensuring no one is left behind.
• Exploring training opportunities for teachers and students to make reusable pads locally.

Why this matters

Every girl deserves to manage her period safely, confidently, and with dignity. Thanks to your support, FlowReady and CSDP are creating change not only in classrooms but also in households and communities.

We will keep walking with these girls, their parents, and their schools. Because when girls can manage their periods, they can manage their futures.