“Today, we are joined by 35 partner organizations, to launch our new curriculum and share the work we are doing with partners on integrating menstrual health and hygiene,” said Michelle Tjneek Willink, Head of Partnerships and Communications at AFRIpads. These words kicked off a successful Partner Day on November 28, 2024, where discussion and collaboration took center stage.
This event was an opportunity to reflect on the landscape of Menstrual Health, launch AFRIpads’ new menstrual health curriculum, and leverage partnerships. As Joris Boon, CEO of AFRIpads, emphasized, “At AFRIpads, our partnerships go beyond selling pads. They are about building a broader understanding of menstrual health.”
The discussions highlighted current challenges. For instance, menstrual health often falls between sectors such as water and sanitation, gender, and health, meaning it struggles to get the focus it deserves. When menstrual health is not prioritized, proposals can easily overlook its complexities.
The fragmentation of knowledge and data sharing across organizations is another significant challenge. Menstrual health requires a holistic approach, but without collaboration and shared learning, organizations often end up working in silos. This not only wastes resources but also prevents the development of comprehensive, evidence-based solutions.
The launch of AFRIpads revised curriculum is a step forward in ensuring that menstrual health education reaches all segments of the population. By including those with disabilities, addressing the needs of women at all stages of their menstrual journey, and engaging boys and men, AFRIpads is taking a holistic approach to menstrual health that goes beyond just women and girls. The set of tools now includes:
- “Real Talk” Menstrual Health and Hygiene Training Handbook
- “Knowing My Body” Women’s Booklet
- “Boy Talk” Comic Booklet for Boys on Puberty and Beyond
- “Girl Talk” Comic Booklet for Girls to Have Healthy Periods
- Updated flipcharts, surveys, and slides to assist trainers.
You can write to us at info@afripads.com to access these samples.
We thank the speakers, panelists, and moderators for the day: Lowri Davies (African Coalition on Menstrual Health), Laura Lafuente (UNFPA Uganda), Mbabazi K. Emejeit (Diamond Trust Bank Uganda), Judith Adokorach (Embassy of the Netherlands in Uganda), Gloria Nawanyaga (GILO Young Positives), Maureen Kalungi (Uganda National Action on Physical Disability), Agnes Grace Nabachwa (Healing and Resilience after Trauma Uganda), and from AFRIpads: Joris Boon, Michelle Tjeenk Willink, Patricia Humura, and Gloria Nirere.
