Ending Period Poverty for rural girls in Tanzania

Thanks to your generous donations, Lyra in Africa has now been able to reach a total of 3,166 rural secondary school girls with Menstrual Hygiene Management and Adolescent Reproductive Health training, and provide reusable sani pads to 117 girls across nine Lyra partner schools. 

The training, that was implemented with Lyra’s partner Afya Plus, focused on introducing Menstrual Hygiene Management practices; building an understanding of Adolescent Reproductive Health; and providing space to challenge the cultural myths around menstruation and reproductive health. Lyra is delighted that this training has been able to reach so many rural girls, supporting them to access information that is factually correct about menstruation and reproductive health.

The impact of this training was significant with 98.7% of participants stating that as a result of the training they now know how to manage their periods safely and correctly. Critically, the participants stated that they now know about the correct practices to follow during their periods.

The training also tackled some of the deeply embedded cultural myths around periods, providing a safe fora for the participants to discuss these myths and access the correct information to start to begin to change cultural beliefs.

After the training, one participant summed up the impact of the training “This training was very insightful, I now know that period is not an embarrassment or shame. I can happily talk about my period to others and share challenges I face during my period so as I can get support.”

From our work on the ground in Tanzania we see how a simple intervention, like providing sanitary pads, education and awareness raising, can transform a girl's ability to manage their periods safely, with dignity and without shame and stay in school. There are so many more girls who can benefit from this intervention in rural Tanzania. Can you help them by making a further donation to our campaign? Every donation truly makes a big difference to the lives of rural girls in Tanzania. Thank you!

With the help of your generous donations, we have been able to distribute even more reusable sanitary pads along with menstruation education training to rural girls in Tanzania, helping to end period poverty for these girls. 

Since our last report to you, we have continued to work with our local partner Afya Plus to roll out the context specific Menstrual Hygiene Management Training to Lyra partner schools. The team started training in Nyang’oro secondary school on the 14th July, where 20 girls who are sponsored by Lyra in Africa received reusable sanitary pads. Providing these girls with reusable sanitary pads is breaking down one more barrier that may stop their full engagement in education. We are delighted to be working with Afya Plus in the making of the reusable sanitary products. Afya Plus uses locally available materials and employs local women to make the pads – all contributing positively to the financial and social development of the wider community! 

In addition, 420 girls in the school received Menstrual Hygiene Management training that covered growth and changes during puberty, safe menstrual hygiene management and the relationship between reproductive health and hygiene during menstruation. This training equips these rural girls with vital knowledge about Menstrual Hygiene Management, supporting the girls to understand what is happening to their bodies during menstruation - and why. By not just focusing on handing out sani pads, but also by providing the relevant training to these girls, this intervention will not just have a huge difference on girls attendance and attainment at school, but also on their self confidence and active participation in class.   

"Menstruation is no longer a source of shame or embarrassment for me, thanks to the Menstruation Hygiene Management training I received today. I now understand the importance of proper menstrual hygiene practices, and I feel empowered to take care of myself during this natural process. This training has truly transformed my perspective and given me the confidence to embrace my monthly period.” A participate from the training at Nyango’oro secondary school. 

During the next two weeks we will continue to roll out the pad distribution and Menstrual Hygiene Management training to the remaining partner schools, where we expect to reach the following numbers of girls: 

• 382 girls at Lundamatwe SS trained, and 7 girls receiving pads, 
• 255 girls at Lulanzi SS trained, and 12 girls receiving pads, 
• 373 girls at Mlowa SS trained, and 20 girls receiving pads, 
• 362 girls at Ilambilole SS trained, and 13 girls receiving pads, 
• 434 girls at Mazombe SS trained, and 13 girls receiving pads, 
• 394 girls at Ifwagi SS trained, and 12 girls receiving pads, 
• 223 girls at Maduma SS trained, and 9 girls receiving pads 
• 358 girls at Madege SS trained, 12 girls receiving pads. 

From our work on the ground in Tanzania we see how a simple intervention, like providing sanitary pads, education and awareness raising, can transform a girl's ability to manage their periods safely, with dignity and without shame and stay in school. There are so many more girls who can benefit from this intervention in rural Tanzania. Can you help them by making a further donation to our campaign? Every donation truly makes a big difference to the lives of rural girls in Tanzania. Thank you!