The “AfyakwaElimu Bora – Strengthening Menstrual Health Management for In-School Girls in North B, Unguja” project was successfully implemented in the North B District of Unguja, Zanzibar, under the coordination of the Popular Inspiring and Relief Organization (PIRO) with support from the Embassy of Ireland. This initiative was designed to address the pressing issue of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) for adolescent girls aged 13–16 years, with a focus on enhancing their well-being, empowerment, and educational outcomes. The project engaged 10 schools—6 primary and 4 secondary schools—along with 5 shehias (local administrative areas), directly benefitting 2,700 students, parents, and community members.
The primary schools targeted by the project were Mgonjoni, Kibumbwi, Pangatupu, Zingwezingwe, Kiongwe, and Matetema, while the secondary schools included Kilombero, Kiongwe, Makoba, and Mgambo. Additionally, the project mobilized and engaged communities in menstrual health education through dialogues at 15 locations, combining school-based and community-level interventions.
Key challenges addressed by the project included societal stigma surrounding menstruation, limited access to menstrual hygiene products, inadequate facilities for menstrual management, and economic disparities that affect girls’ ability to manage menstruation safely. In response, a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach was implemented, consisting of educational workshops, training-of-trainers (ToT) programs, the establishment of peer-led school clubs, and the distribution of washable and disposable sanitary pads. This effort was further strengthened by active participation from local stakeholders, including the Ministries of Education, Health, and local community leaders, which ensured that the project was aligned with local needs, priorities, and national policies.
Through the various activities, the project achieved significant milestones. The 30 trained peer educators (20 students and 10 teachers) were equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to promote menstrual hygiene management and reproductive health, thus contributing to creating a supportive school environment. Over 2,700 students across the 10 schools gained enhanced knowledge about menstrual hygiene practices. Moreover, 220 community members, including 145 parents, 25 local leaders, and 50 stakeholders, were sensitized to the challenges of menstruation and its impact on girls’ education. The distribution of 410 menstrual hygiene kits, which included 100 washable and 310 disposable pads, directly addressed the immediate needs of girls, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Furthermore, the establishment of 10 girls’ clubs in schools provided a platform for ongoing peer-to-peer education and support, contributing to the sustainability of the initiative.
PIRO’s close collaboration with the Ministries of Education and Health ensured the successful implementation of the project and helped integrate menstrual health management within local and national educational and health frameworks. Despite facing challenges, such as inadequate WASH facilities and the limited involvement of male stakeholders, the project made significant strides in reducing stigma and fostering a better understanding of menstruation within schools and communities. This report highlights the activities, achievements, and lessons learned from the project, providing a comprehensive overview of its impact and offering insights for future initiatives to promote menstrual health and gender equity in Zanzibar and beyond.