On International Women’s Day 2025, Voices for Health and Development dedicated the day to raising awareness about gender-based violence (GBV), menstrual health, and teenage pregnancy at Entebbe Girls Secondary School, located in the Kigungu fishing community. This school, situated in one of Entebbe’s most underserved areas, is home to many girls who face significant challenges, including period poverty. For many of them, the lack of access to affordable sanitary products often forces them to miss school.

During the day’s activities, students participated in a menstrual health session, where they were introduced to menstrual cups as a sustainable alternative. In addition, some students received free sanitary pads and scholastic supplies to support their educational journey.

A highlight of the day was the “Ask the Doctor” segment, where students had the rare opportunity to seek answers to their pressing health concerns in a safe and supportive environment.

Ms. Juliet Apio, Team Leader at Voices, emphasized the importance of the initiative: “No girl should have to miss school because of her period. Providing these products is not just about hygiene—it’s about dignity and ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to succeed.”

The discussion on teenage pregnancy featured the school’s Head Prefect, who urged students to make informed choices and advocated for re-entry support for young mothers: “Pregnancy should not be the end of a girl’s education. We must create spaces for every girl to return to school and fulfill her dreams.”

For many girls in Kigungu, education is a vital lifeline, but barriers such as menstrual stigma, sexual violence, and poverty often stand in the way. While initiatives like this outreach are a step forward, lasting change will require collective action from schools, government leaders, and communities to ensure that every girl is safe, respected, and supported in her educational journey.