GS Remera Students Sensitized on Menstrual Hygiene as Vulnerable Girls Receive Reusable Pads
Every year on May 28, the world commemorates Menstrual Hygiene Day, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about menstrual health and encouraging girls and women to maintain proper hygiene during their periods.
Health experts warn that poor menstrual hygiene can lead to various infections and may also affect mental well-being due to stigma, shame, and social isolation often associated with menstruation.
It is in this context that an awareness campaign was organized at GS Remera School, a learning institution hosting both primary and lower secondary students, to encourage students to adopt proper hygiene practices during menstruation.
During the campaign, students were educated about menstruation, reproductive health, and the importance of maintaining good hygiene in order to prevent infections and other health complications.
Akimana Jeniffer , a Senior One student at GS Remera, said that although the issue of poor hygiene is not widespread, some girls still fail to change sanitary pads regularly.
“There are girls who bathe only once before coming to school and keep the same pad until the following day. This can cause bad odor and even infections,” she explained.
She added that she often advises her peers to bathe at least twice a day and change sanitary pads every four to six hours.
According to her, the campaign helped students better understand the importance of menstrual hygiene and is likely to change attitudes among young girls.
Turikumwe Aimée, a Primary Six pupil and one of the beneficiaries of reusable sanitary pads, said the support will help her and other vulnerable girls maintain proper hygiene without fear of running out of pads.
“There were times when I was afraid to change my pad because I did not have another one to use. Receiving reusable pads will help us stay clean and avoid bad odor and infections caused by poor hygiene,” she said.
Statistics shared during the campaign revealed that nearly 99 percent of girls in secondary school at GS Remera experience menstruation, while about 80 percent of girls from Primary Four upwards are also menstruating. Organizers said this highlights the need for continuous awareness and access to adequate menstrual hygiene products.
Bazarama Marie Michelle, who is in charge of social welfare at Réseau des Femmes and works on reproductive health projects, emphasized that menstrual hygiene awareness should not target girls alone.
“This campaign also concerns boys and fathers. We want them to understand that menstruation is normal. In many schools, girls who accidentally stain themselves are isolated or mocked, yet menstruation is a natural part of life,” she said.
She added that fighting stigma and providing accurate information about reproductive health are essential in helping girls stay confident and continue their education without shame.
The awareness campaign is part of the SDSR-Rwanda reproductive health project implemented by Réseau des Femmes in partnership with the Canadian organization L’AMIE, with support from Global Affairs Canada. The project operates in all 15 sectors of Gasabo District.
During the event, 100 reusable sanitary pads were distributed to vulnerable girls to help them access affordable menstrual hygiene products that can be used for up to two years.
As menstrual hygiene challenges continue to affect many adolescent girls, reproductive health advocates say that sustained awareness campaigns and improved access to sanitary products remain key to protecting girls’ health, dignity, confidence, and education.
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