Breaking Barriers: Advancing Menstrual Health and Hygiene in Kyerwa, Tanzania

Rachel Stephen, Project Leader at Maji Safi Group

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. 

Key Objectives of the Health Clubs:

✔ Education: Providing age-appropriate lessons on menstrual health.
✔ Skills Training: Teaching proper waste management techniques.
✔ Peer Support: Encouraging open discussions and mentorship.
✔ Student Advocacy: Training club members to promote WASH and MHH awareness using a child-to-child approach. 

Maji Safi Group will support teachers and facilitators by providing training materials, MHH curriculum booklets, and menstrual health kits. They will also conduct follow-up visits for six months, helping to build local capacity for self-sustaining clubs.

Collaboration for Greater Impact

Maji Safi Group’s Health Education Model plays a key role in bringing together educators, local leaders, and government officials to address menstrual health challenges. The programme helps create a shared responsibility, ensuring that MHH solutions are included in broader education and health initiatives.

By involving different stakeholders, the approach encourages long-term commitment and local ownership, rather than dependence on outside support. Rachel highlighted that quarterly reflection meetings and ongoing consultations will help sustain these efforts beyond the initial training.

“This is not just about handing out sanitary pads—it’s about changing mindsets and creating an environment where girls feel safe and supported,” she emphasised.

Looking Ahead

The MHH training in Kyerwa was just the beginning. With the establishment of health clubs and ongoing advocacy efforts, Maji Safi Group and its partners are laying the foundation for lasting change. 

Through education, empowerment, and collaboration, they are ensuring that menstruation is no longer a barrier to education for girls in Kyerwa. 

Would you like to support initiatives like this? Stay connected with us and learn how you can contribute to making a difference in menstrual health and hygiene in Tanzania.  

Read more about Maji Safi:

https://majisafigroup.org/