Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – June 19, 2024 – The Ministry of Health, Ethiopia, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Office of the First Lady of Ethiopia, and key stakeholders celebrated Menstrual Hygiene Day at the newly established Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Boarding School for the Blind in Addis Ababa. The theme of the event was Together for a Period-Friendly World.

The event aimed to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene management and to address the challenges faced by girls in Ethiopia.

It was attended by stakeholders, producers of menustrial hygiene materials, students and high-level government officials, including H.E. Mrs. Ayelech Eshete, State Minister of the Ministry of Education.

In her opening remarks, H.E. Mrs. Ayelech highlighted the importance of working together and collaborating to ensure that menstruation isn't an obstacle for girls to drop out of school. ''Our schools need better wash facilities, safe spaces, and we must ensure sanitary pads are accessible to girls everywhere. Only then can we ensure our girls stay in school'' she said.

The celebration featured an exhibition showcasing washable pads and menstrual hygiene kits, highlighting practical solutions to menstrual hygiene management. These reusable products are designed to be environmentally friendly and accessible, offering a sustainable alternative for girls and women.

A youth entertainment group added a vibrant touch to the event with a musical drama that portrayed the complex challenges girls face in managing menstruation. The performance vividly addressed the stigma and taboos surrounding menstruation, which affect both rural and urban girls in Ethiopia. Through music and drama, the performers emphasized the importance of creating a #PeriodFriendlyWorld, where menstruation is not a barrier to education or social participation.

During the occasion, UNFPA handed over 400 dignity kits and 200 braille copies of the "Growth & Changes" book to the school. The book covers the biological and psychological changes girls undergo during development, making it an essential resource for blind students. The kits and books were presented by UNFPA's Country Representative, Mr. Koffi Kouame to H.E. Mrs. Ayelech Eshete, State Minister of the Ministry of Education, Ethiopia, and the school's principals.

In his keynote speech, Mr. Kouame reaffirmed UNFPA's commitment to creating a #PeriodFriendlyEthiopia. "We are partnering with the private sector for sustainable solutions. Together, we are not only providing menstrual products but also supporting local economies and empowering women," he said. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing menstrual hygiene challenges and ensuring that all girls and women can access the products and information they need.

The event at Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Boarding School for the Blind marks a step towards breaking the silence around menstruation and promoting menstrual hygiene management in Ethiopia. It underscores the collective effort needed from government, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and communities to ensure that every girl can manage her menstruation with dignity and confidence.