Do you remember the project that supported Ethiopian girls who were unable to attend school due to challenging conditions during the menstruation period?
Through three rounds of supporting the project, they now have clean restrooms, and can attend school without worrying about their menstruation.
In March 2022, GFoundation established the Ethiopia Branch to support Ethiopian girls and young women in having healthy and menstruation cycle.
As part of this initiative, GFoundation collaborated with local communities and schools to address the challenges faced by young girls during their menstruation.
We constructed restroom facilities with changing rooms in a public school so that girls could attend school comfortably during their periods.
Additionally, we engaged health instructors to conduct hygiene and health education in three public schools.
The girls learned about the essential knowledge on how to maintain proper menstrual hygiene.
GFoundation also provided menstrual pads to ensure they can have hygienic and safe menstruation periods.
However, there are still many challenges for girls in Ethiopia during their menstrual periods, such as difficulties in using school restrooms and a lack of menstrual pads.
In May 2023, GFoundation conducted a survey on around 700 girls for a deeper understanding of their current situation and to identify areas where they need help,
including school facilities, hygiene management, and awareness.
According to the survey, over 58.2% of students in the Sabeta region of Ethiopia, girls were using homemade cloth pads and curtain pieces.
These homemade pads have limited durability, typically lasting between half a day to a maximum of two weeks.
Also, 87.6% of students found washing and drying these homemade pads is really challenging, leading to absences from school during their periods.
Despite their young age when they should be enjoying their school with their friends, due to the high cost of sanitary pads, they are making pads themselves and washing pads by the river.
Even if they tried to wash the homemade pads at school, some public schools in Ethiopia were unable to bear the water bill, so they had to return the supply facilities they had previously installed.
However, amidst these challenging conditions, fortunately, 71.7% of the students perceive menstruation as a natural and normal process,
and 65.7% of them understand the importance of using clean pads during their periods.
Based on the survey results, this positive attitude motivated us to continue our efforts in supporting their well-being.
GFoundation provided two months’ worth of disposable pads to the 700 girls who participated in the survey
and we also supplied menstrual pads to the girls’ clubs and health facilities in 12 public schools in the Sabeta region.
Through the menstrual pad support campaign, we will continue to provide consistent support,
including providing menstrual pads, construction of hygiene facilities, and awareness improvement education.
With your unwavering support, we could support young girls in Ethiopia ensuring they have worry-free and healthy menstruation experiences.
Your generous contributions have enabled us to provide essential supplies, educational programs, and construct necessary clean restrooms in the schools.
We sincerely appreciate your dedication and invite you to remain actively engaged in our mission.