Empowering Jakiri: Advancing Menstrual Health & Gender Equality Amid Challenges

The Saika Elisabeth Foundation (SELF), with funding from the Canadian Funds for Local Initiatives (CFLI), continues its commitment to restoring dignity and well-being for girls and women in the Jakiri municipality. Through menstrual health education, community engagement, and the promotion of reusable sanitary pads, the project is addressing stigma and working toward sustainable change.

Key Activities and Achievements

Dialogue and Lobbying Meetings in Targeted Villages

Meetings were held in Nkar, Jakiri, and Kifom to discuss the importance of menstrual health education and its role in reducing school absenteeism and improving overall community well-being. Local leaders, including teachers, youth representatives, and health workers, expressed their support and agreed to help promote the use of reusable sanitary pads.

Engagement with Traditional Leaders

Recognizing the significant influence of traditional authorities, project representatives visited village chiefs and elders to seek their support in reducing menstrual stigma. These leaders acknowledged the importance of menstrual health education and pledged to encourage community participation.

Progress from Previous Period

• Community Dialogue in Noi Village: Fifteen local leaders participated in discussions on menstrual health and committed to distributing educational materials.

• Lobbying Meeting in Shiy Village: Twenty community stakeholders emphasized the importance of involving men in menstrual health advocacy and recommended creating informational flyers to reach a broader audience.

• Engagement with School Authorities in Jakiri: School administrators and student representatives agreed to incorporate menstrual health education into school programs and to establish Menstrual Health Clubs to promote long-term awareness and peer support.

• Courtesy Visit to the Noi Village Chief: The traditional leader expressed strong support for the initiative and committed to mobilizing key community members to participate in awareness campaigns.

  
  

Challenges and Adaptive Strategies

A significant rise in kidnapping and ransom demands by armed groups in the project area has created an atmosphere of insecurity, making it difficult to carry out planned activities. This situation has particularly affected community meetings and engagement with local leaders.

To adapt, SELF has strengthened relationships with community and traditional leaders, who are helping the team navigate the security situation by advising on safe routes, engagement times, and alternative locations for meetings.

Next Steps

• Continue dialogue and lobbying meetings in the project villages to deepen community engagement.

• Expand courtesy visits to traditional leaders to further strengthen local support for menstrual health education.

• Establish Menstrual Health Clubs in schools, ensuring students have ongoing access to menstrual health information and resources.

  
  

Despite security challenges, the project has made significant progress in raising awareness, building partnerships, and securing community support for menstrual health education. The engagement of traditional leaders, schools, and community members is playing a critical role in reducing stigma and promoting sustainable solutions. By continuing to work closely with local influencers and stakeholders, the project remains on track to create lasting change in the Jakiri municipality.