“This film reminded me of what happened in my high school. I always stained my uniform, my periods were heavy and painful, and my classmates knew about it. I struggled to overcome this problem, and I am glad this discussion is open to the general public because I know other young girls are struggling as I did,” shared Maurine Tukahirwa, C.E.O. at Girls Must Uganda.
The Impure film screening took place in Kampala in two editions due to public demand. The original screening, held on October 14, 2025, was a collaborative effort among the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Uganda, the High Commission of the Republic of Kenya, Makerere University School of Public Health, and AFRIpads. Following the success of the first edition, a second premiere was hosted on November 5, 2025, at the Innovation District in Kampala, hosted by AFRIpads.
Impure is a thought-provoking and deeply moving movie that left the audience both inspired, reflective, emotional, as some cried, and energized for change.
“I wish we could have more of these reality-based films, expressive and relatable, unlike meetings where people may not grasp the depth of the problem,” said one participant.
The film tells the story of a Kenyan schoolgirl named June who faces intense stigma and shame due to her period, even from those she trusts. June is called “dirty” by her school teacher, mocked by fellow students after blood stains are seen on her skirt, and suspended from school with instructions to return only “after she cleans herself”. The film does not end with shame; it concludes by showcasing how the stigma was challenged, which generates awareness and a call to action from a wider population.
“Whenever I was on my period, it would be painful. Girls around me used rugs and rough linen like Gomesi to manage the blood. Those pieces were not safe to manage our menses,” recalled Maureen Karungi, a menstrual health activist.
In addition to the audience sharing personal perspectives, H.E. Frederieke Quispel, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda, spoke confidently about the film and its partners, reaffirming the Dutch Embassy’s dedication to supporting menstrual health globally.
Beyond the film screening, the film sparked critical conversations on social media, such as the issue of period tax, period poverty, and inspired many to ask how they could donate to support their communities.
“I shed tears while watching this film. I would encourage people to watch it and support the girl child,” added another attendee who posted on LinkedIn.
In her closing remarks, Michelle Tjeenk Willink, the CEO of AFRIpads, stressed the importance of integrating menstrual health earlier into programs, therefore reaching girls at age 10, before they begin to menstruate. She emphasized that adolescents should understand menstruation and their body changes to promote period-positive practices at an earlier life stage. Learning these facts in time, she noted, is key to fighting period shame, which starts before a girl even needs the products.
We appreciate all co-hosts, exhibitors, the Impure film Director Rico Herre, and the AFRIpads staff for their immense effort in making these screenings a success.
If you would like to suggest ways of engaging, hosting the next Impure event, or making a donation to help us reach more people and spread awareness, please reach out to us at info@afripads.com.
