Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed every year on May 28, is a reminder that every girl deserves the knowledge, support, and resources to manage menstruation with dignity. Yet for many young people, especially in rural communities, menstruation remains surrounded by silence, myths, and embarrassment. Lack of information often leaves girls anxious and unprepared, while boys may not understand how to support their classmates.
Across 40 schools in Mityana and Kassanda districts, TeamUp’s menstrual hygiene management component is helping girls and boys understand puberty, challenge misconceptions, adopt healthy hygiene practices, and support one another through the physical and emotional changes that come with adolescence.
For 13-year-old Ronnie Mubiru of St. Ambrose Namungo Primary School in Mityana District, the sessions changed how he views menstruation and the role boys should play.
“Before joining TeamUp, I did not understand much about menstruation. I learned that it is a normal part of growing up and that boys should not make fun of girls when they are menstruating. Instead, we should support them. I now encourage fellow boys to respect girls and help them when they need support. I also learned the importance of personal hygiene, and today I keep my fingernails short and bathe every day.”
Building Confidence Through Knowledge
For many girls, the sessions have replaced fear and uncertainty with confidence.
“I learned how to make reusable sanitary towels and how to maintain personal hygiene during menstruation,” says Hawa Babirye, 14, a Primary Six pupil at St. Ambrose Namungo Primary School. “Now I teach other girls about the body changes that happen as we grow up and how to handle them. I feel proud that I can help my friends go through menstruation with dignity.”
Her story demonstrates how learners are becoming peer educators, passing on life-changing knowledge to others.
No Longer Missing School
Before joining TeamUp, Maria Joyce Irasubiza, 13, often worried about menstruation. Today, she is more informed, prepared, and confident.
“I learned about puberty, menstrual hygiene, and how to make reusable sanitary pads. I now make my own pads and no longer miss school because of menstruation. Teachers also taught me about myths surrounding menstruation and gave me confidence to speak in public. This removed my fears and worries and helped me understand that menstruation is normal.”
For girls like Maria Joyce, menstrual hygiene management education is also about staying in school and participating fully in learning.
Supporting Others Through Their First Period
The practical skills taught through TeamUp are helping girls support one another when it matters most. Her experience highlights the ripple effect of empowering one learner with knowledge and confidence.
“I learned how to make reusable pads and how to dispose of them properly after use,” says Nadia Nalule, 12. “I teach my sisters how to make their own pads too. When one of my friends got her first period at school, I knew what to do because of what I had learned. I supported her and took her to a teacher. Every school should have a program like TeamUp so that girls can experience menstruation without worries.”
Planning Ahead, Staying Prepared
Understanding the menstrual cycle has been another important lesson for many girls.
“The menstrual hygiene sessions taught me how to track my menstrual cycle,” explains Jovet Kabugho Jovet, 14, from St. Peters’ Kwatampola Primary School in Kassanda District. “Now I know when my period is likely to start, and I prepare in advance so that I am not caught by surprise.”
Similarly, Patricia Nassakku Nnunda, 15, says the knowledge she gained is benefiting other girls in her community.
“I learned about puberty, body changes, and the myths surrounding menstruation. I now teach girls in my village how to track their menstrual cycles so they can prepare and feel confident.”
Growing in Confidence and Self-Esteem
For Joan Nakyanzi, 14, of Mpiriggwa Primary School, the lessons extended beyond menstrual hygiene.
“I learned to stay clean at all times, including during menstruation. I also learned about self-respect and self-esteem. Today, I support fellow girls who are unsure about how to manage menstruation, and I encourage them not to feel ashamed.”
Creating Schools Where Every Learner Thrives
The stories from these learners reveal more than individual transformation. They demonstrate how menstrual hygiene education can create safer, more supportive, and more inclusive learning environments.
By equipping girls with practical skills and confidence, while engaging boys as partners in promoting respect and dignity, TeamUp has ensures that menstruation is not a barrier to education, participation, or self-esteem.
Watch Students of Bujubi Secondary School presenting a poem on Menstrual Hygiene Management:
