In Tanzania, many girls face significant challenges related to menstruation that affect their education and daily lives. Limited access to menstrual products, inadequate sanitation facilities in schools, and a lack of proper education about menstrual health contribute to girls missing school or dropping out altogether. These issues are often compounded by social stigma and taboos surrounding menstruation, which make it difficult for girls to openly discuss their needs or seek help. As a result, many girls struggle to manage their menstrual health with dignity, impacting their academic performance and future opportunities.
At the age of 12-19, Tanzanian girls are at a critical stage in their education, where their decisions and efforts can determine their future. However, menstruation-related challenges create additional barriers that prevent many from fully participating in school or achieving their academic potential. If girls are provided with better access to menstrual health education, affordable products, and supportive communities, they can break through these barriers. Like other girls around the world, Tanzanian girls should be empowered to focus on their dreams and aspirations, without the added burden of menstruation-related challenges holding them back.
TASI Foundation has successfully distributed over 8,000 sanitary pads to girls in need, targeting schools and rural communities across Tanzania. This distribution has been particularly impactful in the regions of Dar es Salaam, Pwani, and Lindi, where girls often face barriers to accessing menstrual products. In Dar es Salaam, distributions have focused on schools in Kinondoni and Ilala, reaching thousands of urban and peri-urban girls. In Pwani, distributions have been concentrated in schools within Kibiti, Mafia, and Bagamoyo districts, while in Lindi, rural schools in Lindi Rural and Kilwa have benefited from the program. Through these efforts, local leaders, health workers, and community volunteers have played a vital role in identifying and prioritizing the most needy girls, ensuring equitable access to sanitary products and menstrual health education.
Additionally, our Menstrual Health Education Workshops have reached over 800 students (both girls and boys) across 20+ schools in these regions. These workshops aim to break the silence surrounding menstruation, combat myths, and promote healthy menstrual hygiene practices. By engaging over 250 boys in workshops, we are fostering greater understanding and empathy, ensuring that menstruation is no longer a taboo subject in schools and communities. As a result, we have seen a 30% reduction in school absenteeism due to menstruation-related issues, with girls now able to attend classes consistently throughout their menstrual cycles. Furthermore, over 15 schools and community centers in Pwani, Dar es Salaam, and Lindi have established safe spaces where girls can access sanitary products, change privately, and discuss menstrual health in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. These combined efforts have empowered girls, improved their educational outcomes, and helped create a more supportive and inclusive community for menstruation health.
Tanzania Awareness and Support Initiative
© 2024. All Rights Reserved
