In the remote village of Bagara, nestled amidst the lush landscapes of southern Ethiopia, a quiet revolution is stirring. Here, where traditions ran deep and taboos held sway, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with HOPE International Development Agency embarked on a mission to shatter the silence and suffering surrounding menstrual health and hygiene.

At the heart of this endeavor were 51 courageous school girls from grades 5-8, eager to break free from the shadows of stigma and misinformation. Also, the girls lack menstrual products and use old clothes found at home instead of pads. These substitutes aren't good for their skin and cause hygiene concerns. Some have to walk hours round trip to the market and school, enduring discomfort and pain.

Seeds of Change

In the dimly lit Bagara Kebele hall, a group of young girls gathered, their eyes wide with curiosity and anticipation. As the UNFPA and HOPE trainer, Dr. Frenesh Sahilu took the floor, she spoke of the importance of menstrual health and the myths surrounding it.

Dr. Frensesh debunked many of the myths and challenged the girls to view their menstruation as part of their human experience. 

"Before, I was ashamed of my period. But now, I understand that it's a natural part of being a woman," Hiwot Talemso, 15 years old shared, her voice filled with newfound confidence.

Beyond the classroom walls, the training extended its reach to the wider community, engaging mothers, fathers, and elders in conversations that challenged age-old beliefs.

"I used to think menstruation was dirty, something to be hidden away. But now, I see it as a sign of health and vitality," remarked Astarekech, a mother of three. She also said "I want my period days to be just like any other usual day. I want reliable pads I can use without worry."

Breaking Barriers

Armed with knowledge and support, the girls of Bagara took charge of their destinies. Equipped with reusable sanitary pads provided by HOPE, they faced each menstrual cycle with dignity and pride. 

"Now, I don't have to miss school because of my period. I feel confident and unstoppable," said Hiwot, as she displayed her new reusable pad. 

Hiwot and Emebet held a simple wish. They longed for every student, particularly those who had not undergone training or lacked access to sanitary pads, to enjoy the same comfort and freedom they experienced. They also firmly believed that dismantling the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation wasn't solely about hygiene; it was also about empowering young girls like them to lead fulfilling lives.

A New Dawn

As the sun sets over the horizon, casting a golden glow upon the village, a sense of hope is in the air. The stigma surrounding menstrual health had begun to fade, paving the way for a future where women could thrive without fear or shame.

"Our voices have been heard, our struggles acknowledged. Together, we have sparked a revolution of empowerment," declared Emebet Laliso, 16 year 16-year-old student in Bagara primary school. “Now I feel a significant change in my behavior, and I can talk with friends freely and share my experiences, and seek guidance from my family” she said. 

The training and reusable pads opened a new chapter to the girls — one where the power of information would forever change the lives of many.

About the project 

HOPE's community development efforts aim to enhance access to safe water, support women's empowerment, improve agricultural productivity and rural community’s livelihoods, and contribute to environmental sustainability. With funding from the TOTO Water Environment Fund (Japan), Hope is focused on empowering women and girls. This involves improving access to safe water, educating them on menstrual health management, and providing reusable sanitary pads to alleviate their burden. UNFPA Ethiopia technically supported HOPE International Development Agency from April 2023 to March 2024 to strengthen capacity on interventions on menstrual hygiene management in Southern Ethiopia. With UNFPA’s technical support, HOPE enhanced adolescent girls' knowledge and skills in menstrual hygiene management through a class in the community. In Bagara, one of the remote Kebeles of Oyida Woreda, Gofa Zone, 86 (51 females) selected students from grades 5-8 have received training and reusable sanitary pads to promote safe and dignified menstrual health management practices.