Reach A Hand Uses Expressive Arts to Destroy Menstrual Health Stigma in Colleges
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Reach A Hand Uganda, via its “Undo The Taboo” and “GN Trybe” initiatives, brought together over 1,000 students from larger than 20 schools at some level of the nation to specialise in the effectiveness of edutainment in menstrual hygiene management as well showcase modern menstrual merchandise and disposal mechanisms.
Held beneath the theme “Childhood Enhancements for Sustainable Menstrual Health and Hygiene,” the match took space at London College of St. Lawrence in Maya. It used to be attended by key stakeholders including officers from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Training, teachers, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, and notorious musicians Allan Toniks and Daxx Kartel, who delivered motivational “Energy Talks” on menstrual hygiene.
Expressive arts—including poetry, visible art, dance, vogue, creative writing, debate, and drama—served as instruments to command menstrual stigma and assist initiate conversations on matters frequently idea of as taboo in formal or cultural settings. These creative showcases were held in a competitive structure, encouraging creativity and innovation.
Amongst the highlights were demonstrations of environmentally friendly menstrual management solutions. Students presented incinerator prototypes made from biodegradable affords fancy cardboard, and reusable sanitary pads designed for every affordability and sustainability. A panel dialogue additionally addressed the challenges surrounding menstrual well being management in schools.
Humphrey Nabimanya, Chief Govt Officer of Reach A Hand Uganda, emphasized the characteristic of edutainment in breaking stigma: “Edutainment helps overcome the silence and shame around menstruation. It creates a safe station where newcomers feel free to share, which addresses a main barrier to efficient menstrual well being training in Uganda,’’ he acknowledged whereas emphasizing Reach A Hand’s dedication to empower kids via Undo the Taboo and GN Trybe initiatives.
Agnes Ssebowa, Senior Technical Officer for Adolescent and College Health at the Ministry of Health, praised
Reach A Hand’s modern manner: “The Ministry is committed to creating every college a safe and supportive atmosphere for all newcomers. We mix menstrual well being into training due to it is a topic of human rights and dignity.”
Students expressed appreciation for the platform: “Talking about menstruation former to produce us feel ashamed,” acknowledged Luke, a pupil from London College of St. Lawrence. “However as of late, it felt traditional.”
In accordance with the Auditor Customary’s document, 2023/24 monetary year, 64% of feminine students streak over college frequently as a consequence of a lack of menstrual affords and inadequate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) amenities. The an identical document stumbled on that 46% of 48 schools visited did now no longer present emergency pads or any menstrual hygiene management (MHM) strengthen, and loads of lacked receive entry to to tidy water, staunch sanitation, or disposal amenities.
To acknowledge pupil efforts, certificates of participation were awarded, and the head three schools got trophies and cash prizes:
- Seeta Excessive College, A-Level Campus – UGX 3 million (Total Winner)
- London College of St. Lawrence – UGX 2 million (First Runner-Up)
- The Academy of St. Lawrence – UGX 1 million (2nd Runner-Up)
