GEITA GOLD MINE EMPOWERING GIRLS THROUGH MENSTRUAL HYGIENE

Students at Nyakabale Secondary School, another recipient of sanitary pads and menstrual hygiene education donated by GGML, have seen a reduction in absenteeism.

Students at Nyankumbu Girls Secondary School, who fully participate in the school curriculum, are among the recipients of sanitary pads donated by GGML and a comprehensive menstrual health education campaign in 2023. The school has reduced absenteeism since the initiative began.

Nyankumbu Girls Secondary School, one of the recipients of sanitary pads donated by GGML and a comprehensive menstrual health education campaign in 2023. The school has recently seen an upturn in academic results.

In the bustling town of Geita, Tanzania, a quiet revolution is taking place that holds the key to unlocking the full potential of the region's young women. For far too long, the stigma and shame associated with menstruation has prevented girls from accessing the education they deserve, trapping them in a cycle of missed classes and diminished opportunities. But now, thanks to the tireless efforts of one mining company, the tide is turning.

Geita Gold Mine Limited (GGML) has taken on the challenge of addressing the critical issue of menstrual hygiene management in local schools, and the results have been nothing short of life-changing. By distributing sanitary pads and providing comprehensive menstrual health education, the company has empowered girls like Kulwa Lameck, a Form Four student at Nyakabale Secondary School, to reclaim their rightful place in the classroom.

"The menstrual hygiene education we received from GGML is very important because it has given me more confidence, I feel free all the time, even during menstruation, I don't have to worry now that I know what to do and have the facilities to keep me comfortable," says Kulwa, her words brimming with a newfound sense of liberation.

The impact of GGML's initiative goes far beyond individual experiences. Rosemary Nicolaus, a teacher at Nyankumbu Secondary School, has seen a remarkable change in her students' attendance and academic performance since the menstrual hygiene training.

"After the menstrual hygiene education, the girls' attendance has improved significantly, and their confidence in their studies has increased. This has been a game changer for our girls, it has enlightened their lives now and in the future," she says.

The challenges faced by girls in the Geita region are not unique. Across Tanzania and much of the developing world, menstruation remains a taboo subject, shrouded in misinformation and cultural stigma.

According to UNICEF, every day 300 million women and girls do not have access to a comfortable environment, safe sanitary products, or a private space to manage their periods. This lack of support has far-reaching consequences, with girls missing up to 40 days of school each year due to menstruation-related problems.

But the tide is turning, thanks to the tireless efforts of organisations like GGML. By addressing the root causes of the problem and providing girls with the knowledge and resources they need, they are not only improving educational outcomes, but also breaking down the societal barriers that have long held women back.

As Emily Zachariah, a Form Three student at Nyakabale Secondary School, eloquently puts it, "Now I know that menstruation is an integral part of creation for girls, it is something normal and part of their lives, it needs to be valued and respected." This shift in attitudes, helped by GGML's initiatives, is the first step towards a future where menstruation is no longer a source of shame, but a celebrated part of the human experience.

The road ahead may be long, but the progress made in Geita serves as a beacon of hope for girls across Tanzania and beyond. By continuing to invest in menstrual hygiene education and access to essential products, companies like GGML are not only transforming individual lives, but also paving the way for a more equitable and empowered future for all.