The Saika Elisabeth Foundation (SELF), with support from the Canadian Funds for Local Initiatives, is making significant strides in the Jakiri municipality through a dedicated menstrual health project. Aiming to empower young girls and women and foster a supportive community, the project has already taken crucial steps in menstrual health education, stigma reduction, and practical support.
Project Highlights So Far
Community Forums Breaking the Silence In early November, a well-attended open forum on menstrual health was held at the SELF Garden of Hope. This event brought together 28 women and 10 men to openly discuss menstruation as a natural process, share perspectives, and dispel common myths. The forum helped to create a comfortable space for dialogue, marking an essential step toward normalizing conversations around menstruation in Jakiri.
Teacher Training for Sustainable Change SELF also engaged with male and female teachers from the Islamic Primary and Secondary School of Jakiri, training them to lead menstrual hygiene awareness campaigns. These educators committed to championing menstrual health discussions and fostering an inclusive, stigma-free school environment for students of all genders.
Educational Campaigns and Pad Distribution SELF’s team reached over 67 students and 55 women through menstrual health education sessions in Sop village and Jakiri schools. Participants received guidance on hygiene practices and the advantages of reusable pads, with 40 female students and 55 women receiving their own reusable sanitary pads. This initiative is directly helping girls attend school consistently, especially during menstruation.
Advocacy for Infrastructure Improvements Recognizing the need for proper facilities, SELF met with school leaders to emphasize the importance of water access and girl-friendly latrines. Such improvements are vital in supporting female students' health and comfort, especially during menstruation.
Overcoming Challenges
While the project has achieved much, there were initial challenges. Some community members, especially in religious communities, hesitated to discuss menstruation openly. SELF addressed this by offering safe, inclusive forums, encouraging honest discussion, and helping reduce stigma. Additionally, some women were initially reluctant to switch to reusable pads. By providing education on their benefits, along with personal testimonies from others who had made the switch, SELF succeeded in encouraging greater acceptance.
Looking Ahead
The next phase of the project (15th–30th November) will continue to foster these dialogues and promote menstrual health education. More open forums and training sessions for male teachers are planned, ensuring that both men and women are active participants in this movement toward health, dignity, and empowerment.
Conclusion
Through consistent efforts and community support, SELF’s menstrual health project is successfully promoting understanding, reducing stigma, and enhancing the well-being of girls and women in Jakiri. The journey continues with a commitment to creating lasting change and restoring dignity in Jakiri.
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