The Gfoundation Ethiopian branch continues its efforts to support healthy menstruation among young girls in Ethiopia.
Through interviews with young women in the village of Severa, the Gfoundation learned about the inconvenient toilet, outdated facilities, lack of safe drinking
water for handwashing, negative perceptions of menstruation, and a shortage of sanitary pads. These issues result in many adolescent women frequently
missing school during their menstrual periods. To alleviate these difficulties, the Gfoundation embarked on a project to build sanitary and health facilities near
the school area. This initiative aimed to provide a safe and convenient space for Ethiopian young students to attend school with confidence.
New facilities include well-designed toilets, windows, safety doors, and changing rooms for each cubicle. In addition, educational activities have been carried out
to raise awareness among the students and teach them about menstrual hygiene management, proper use of sanitary facilities, and infection prevention. Several
water connections were established to ensure sanitation and health facilities with access to safe water could be built, reinforcing the importance of hygiene. The
facilities were completed in spring 2023 after four months of construction.
“Now, we don’t have to go through thick bushes to use the bathroom, we can go to the toilet even when it’s raining, and we can come to school during our
menstrual period without fear. We are so happy and grateful.”
– The Representative of the girl’s club.
“We hope that adolescent girls in the outskirts, who are relatively disadvantaged compared to those in urban areas, can attend school without fret during their
menstrual periods so that they can study to their fullest potential. We also hope that they can pursue higher education and advance to higher-level schools.”
– The Principal of school.
“Through the education, I learned that I need to pay more attention to hygiene during my menstrual period and that it can lead to serious infections. It used to be
embarrassing to go to the school restroom to change sanitary pads during my period, and I was worried about being teased by other friends. But now, the
restroom is closer, and there are fewer friends who make fun of me. I hope that other female students from different schools also can receive this education and
not be afraid of the upcoming menstrual period every month.”
– Letter from an Ethiopian student.
In addition to this support, the Gfoundation provided an additional two months’ worth of sanitary pads to 250 teenage girls.
There are many female students who experience discomfort and are unable to attend school properly due to the shortage of sanitary pads in many countries. Lack
of access to sanitary pads often leads to girls dropping out of school, perpetuating a cycle of anxiety and fear.
The Gfoundation strives to make a difference by providing ongoing support through sanitary pad campaigns, the construction of sanitary facilities, and awareness
raising education. Through these initiatives, we aim to bring positive change to the lives of girls in need. We invite generous sponsors to join us in this mission.
Even a single sanitary pad can make a significant difference and empower girls to lead healthier lives.
