Periods Don’t Hold Back Dreams

The project “Periods Don’t Hold Back Dreams”, led by the Girls’ Menarche Initiative (GMI), is being implemented in the Busoga region in eastern Uganda. It aims to combat the stigma surrounding menstruation and to promote the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of adolescent girls. In this region, menstrual poverty remains a major cause of school dropout among girls. The lack of reliable information, limited access to hygiene products, and inadequate infrastructure worsen the situation. The project adopts a community-based and participatory approach to strengthen access to information, appropriate resources, and supportive care.

The KYUSA center will become a safe space and a hub for access to reusable and biodegradable sanitary pads, as well as a place for training. Weekly workshops on SRHR, activism, and personal development will be offered. At the same time, school clubs will be established, allowing young people—both girls and boys—to gain knowledge about their bodies and build confidence. Ambassadors from these clubs will lead advocacy activities during annual camps. Creative events, such as “period parties” and a regional quiz, will further raise awareness.

The project also includes concrete actions in urban slums, such as the distribution of menstrual products and informational sessions. It will feature community dialogues, digital campaigns, and gynecological clinic days. These combined actions aim to break menstrual taboos and strengthen girls’ autonomy. Ultimately, 4,420 young people—including 3,054 girls—300 women and girls in the slums, and over 600 community members and organization partners will be reached. This project seeks to create a fairer and more inclusive environment for girls, where menstruation is no longer a barrier to education and personal development.