From Stigma to Solutions – Menstrual Health and Hygiene, a Critical Matter to All of Us

Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM) is fundamental to the dignity and well-being of women. Enhancing access to menstrual hygiene information and services constitutes a significant fulfillment of the rights to sanitation and health, as well as living a life of dignity. Unfortunately, women worldwide face barriers when it comes to managing their menstrual health, even in development cooperation work.

Recognizing the importance of addressing this issue, GIZ Uganda Workplace Programme (Melissa Schimanek), in collaboration with Sanitation for Millions Uganda (S4M), organized a menstrual health and hygiene awareness campaign for GIZ Uganda staff on the occasion of the International Day of Menstrual Hygiene 2023.

The objective of the campaign went beyond just raising awareness among GIZ staff about menstrual health and hygiene in the workplace. It aimed to highlight the broader significance of MHHM in the context of development cooperation. By integrating this critical topic into their work, GIZ aimed to promote gender equality, empower women, and ensure their overall well-being, particularly in the communities they serve.

The campaign’s highlight was an online event that brought together GIZ staff, notable speakers, and experts in the field. The event commenced with remarks from the GIZ Uganda Country Director, James Macbeth Forbes, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to addressing menstrual health and hygiene issues in the workplace and in development cooperation work. Bernadette Ojao, the founder of Wabibi Pads, provided an insightful overview of the main challenges faced by women in Uganda regarding MHHM. Her expertise shed light on the broader implications of MHHM beyond the workplace.

The S4M team showcased their work on menstrual health and hygiene in Uganda and Pakistan during the event. Through practical examples of successful interventions and initiatives, they emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts between organizations, governments, and communities in improving menstrual health and hygiene management. This highlighted the importance of integrating MHHM into development cooperation programs to address the specific needs of women in the communities where GIZ operates.

Contact Details