For years, menstruation has been treated as a source of shame, surrounded by myths and stigma that often force schoolgirls to miss classes or drop out altogether.
But in the Sebei sub-region, that narrative is slowly changing, thanks to school health clubs that are helping girls manage their menstrual health with confidence while promoting gender equality and hygiene.
Through the Heroes for Gender Transformative Action Programme, implemented by Amref Health Africa in Uganda and funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, schools in Sebei are quietly leading a revolution. These health clubs are teaching learners to break taboos around menstruation, maintain hygiene, and ensure that no girl misses class because of her period.
At Kabei Seed Secondary School in Bukwo District, Senior Four student Naomi Cheptoris recalls how difficult life used to be before the initiative.
‘Before, many girls were stigmatised during their menstrual cycles, some missed school because they lacked sanitary pads, and others dropped out,’ Cheptoris said.
She said the school health club has changed everything by offering a safe space where girls learn about menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, and self-confidence.
Through the Heroes programme, both teachers and students have been trained to make reusable sanitary pads, menstrual materials have been distributed, and incinerators installed to ensure proper disposal.
Cheptoris said the initiative has not only improved hygiene but also restored dignity among the young girls.
At Amanang Secondary School, health club member Noel Chepchumba said the project has improved both cleanliness and confidence among girls.
‘Some girls used to litter everywhere, but now that we have an incinerator, everyone knows where to dispose of them,’ she said. ‘It has improved hygiene and made our school a better environment for learning.’
Chepchumba added that the clubs are also empowering students to protect their rights and wellbeing through peer learning and discussions on gender-based violence and sexual reproductive health.
‘They teach us a lot about how to manage our periods, how to clean up properly, and how to stay healthy,’ she said. ‘With support from the Heroes programme, we receive sanitary towels for emergencies, which has made girls more comfortable and confident in school.’
According to the 2024 Value for Money Audit report by the Auditor General, 64 percent of female learners (138 out of 216) had missed school or classes due to menstruation. The report noted that government has yet to find the Shs42 billion required to provide free sanitary pads to vulnerable learners – just 0.05 percent of the Shs72 trillion national budget for 2025/26.
The same report highlights harmful myths and cultural beliefs that have fueled menstrual stigma, especially in Eastern and Northern Uganda, leading many girls to use unsafe methods and skip school.
Lona Chekwemboi, the Senior Woman Teacher at Kabei Seed Secondary School, said the Heroes programme is not only improving sanitation but also transforming mindsets.
‘Before Amref came in, girls lacked pads and would drop out of school or fall into early pregnancies,’ she said. ‘With reusable pads and training, more girls now stay in school. Girls’ absenteeism and school dropouts have reduced.’
Her head teacher, Mr Yeko Ronald, praised the initiative for empowering both students and teachers to speak openly about issues that were once considered taboo.
‘Previously we had a challenge of poor sanitary waste disposal, but with the incinerators, the girls now know how to dispose of them properly. The training through health clubs has also empowered them to speak out and understand their rights,’ he said.
At Amanang Secondary School, Mr James Sabila, the head teacher, recalled the earlier challenges they faced.
‘One of the biggest problems was poor disposal of sanitary pads – girls used to throw used pads anywhere, which was unhygienic and unpleasant,’ he said. ‘When Amref, through the Heroes programme, established incinerators, it was a huge relief that improved sanitation.’
Dr Tonny Kapsandui, the Head of Programmes at Amref Health Africa in Uganda, said menstrual health is central to empowering girls and achieving gender equality.
‘Our aim is to ensure that no girl misses school because of menstruation,’ he said. ‘By working with schools and communities, we are breaking the silence around menstrual health, building confidence among girls, and helping them achieve their full potential.’