Africa-Press – Uganda. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Ltd, in partnership with Malaika, has launched a vital menstrual health initiative aimed at supporting 3,000 schoolgirls across 10 districts in Uganda.
Through the “Keep a Girl in School” program, dignity hampers containing reusable sanitary pads, underwear, detergent, and a bucket have been distributed to girls in Hoima, Kikuube, Kakumiro, Mubende, Kyankwanzi, Lwengo, Kyotera, Rakai, Sembabule, and Gomba districts.
The initiative seeks to break barriers that prevent girls from attending school during their menstrual cycles—one of the leading causes of absenteeism among schoolgirls in sub-Saharan Africa.
According to Human Rights Watch, one in ten girls in the region misses school during menstruation due to a lack of access to sanitary products, a challenge that is even more acute in rural and low-income communities such as the Albertine region.
During the official handover ceremony held at St. Apollo Kanoni Primary School in Rakai District, EACOP’s Social and Environmental Investment Manager, Matred Murungi, emphasized the importance of menstrual health in ensuring girls remain in school.
“Menstrual health is a fundamental part of ensuring that girls can thrive in school,” said Ms. Murungi.
“By ensuring access to sanitary products, we are removing a major barrier to education and giving girls the opportunity to succeed and break the cycle of inequality.”
Mr. James Kasumba , head teacher at St. Apollo Kanoni Primary School, expressed gratitude for the donation, noting its direct impact on the students’ academic participation.
“We have many challenges as a rural school, and lack of proper sanitary towels is a dominant one,” he said. “This donation will enable the girls to concentrate in class rather than stay home in fear of embarrassment.”
The provision of reusable sanitary pads offers a sustainable solution, ensuring long-term support for girls who need it the most.
Both EACOP and Malaika affirmed their commitment to expanding such interventions to foster better educational outcomes and empower girls in underserved communities.
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