Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) remains a significant challenge in many communities, where stigma and lack of education contribute to poor health outcomes and school absenteeism for girls. In December 2024, Maji Safi Group, in collaboration with Mavuno Project, organised a training session in Kyerwa District, Tanzania, to equip educators, local leaders, and students with the knowledge and skills needed to promote menstrual hygiene and gender equality.
We spoke with Rachel Stephen, Project Leader at Maji Safi Group, about the impact of the training, its challenges, and the future of MHH advocacy in the region.
Empowering Communities Through Education
One of the most significant takeaways from the training was the increase in awareness around menstrual hygiene, breaking down deep-seated myths and taboos. Rachel emphasised that many participants had little prior knowledge about menstrual health, and this training provided an open and interactive space to discuss these topics without shame or stigma.
“The training didn’t just focus on facts—it helped build confidence. It showed that MHH is not just a health issue but also a gender equality issue,” Rachel explained.
The participatory nature of the sessions—using videos, images, and diagrams—helped attendees engage with the content in a meaningful way. The discussions led to a strong commitment from trainees to share what they learned within their communities, ensuring the knowledge spreads beyond the classroom.
Immediate and Long-Term Impact on Communities
In the short term, the training is expected to improve menstrual hygiene practices among young girls in local schools. It also set the groundwork for establishing health clubs in schools, where both boys and girls can engage in discussions about menstruation—a crucial step towards normalising these conversations and reducing stigma.
Looking at the long-term impact, Rachel highlighted the potential for a cultural shift in how menstrual health is perceived and discussed. By training community leaders and teachers, the programme is planting the seeds for sustained advocacy, leading to better hygiene practices and increased school attendance for menstruating students.
“When we break the silence around menstruation, we empower girls to stay in school and reach their full potential,” Rachel said. “This isn’t just about hygiene—it’s about ensuring education and equal opportunities.”
Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned
While the training was a success, it was not without its challenges. One of the key difficulties was the limited duration of the training. Rachel mentioned that two days were not enough, as participants had many questions and wanted more time for discussions.
“The enthusiasm and curiosity were overwhelming. If we had an extra day or two, we could have deepened discussions and explored more tailored solutions for each community,” she reflected.
Another challenge was a last-minute venue change from Karagwe to Kyerwa, which disrupted logistical planning and prevented pre-training site visits. However, the flexibility and commitment of the team ensured the training still ran smoothly.
Health Clubs: Creating Sustainable Change
One of the most promising outcomes of the project is the planned establishment of health clubs in five schools, with 20 boys and 30–40 girls in each. These clubs will serve as safe spaces where students can learn about MHH, sexual health, and personal hygiene.
