The Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga launched the Menstrual Hygiene Charter, which seeks to promote hygiene and the rights of the girl-child in Uganda. This was during celebrations to mark the International Menstruation Day with celebrations held at parliament.

During the launch, the Speaker called on government to support menstrual hygiene and provide sanitary pads to all female school going children. She said that it’s important to improve the hygiene of girls and women by providing the necessary requirements to improve their health, education and dignity as girls and women in society.

Kadaga said that Government ought to construct proper and improved sanitary facilities in all schools in Uganda. She expressed concern over ignorance of menstrual hygiene in the communities and urged Government and responsible organizations to increase sensitization for people to understand that menstruation in women is normal.

According to a UNICEF report, it is estimated that about 23% of adolescent girls between the ages 12-18 years that start experiencing menstrual periods lack adequate menstrual protection such as sanitary pads.

The Minister of State for Teso Affairs, Christine Amongin said that menstruation has greatly affected the girl-child in the rural areas of Uganda both culturally and socially. She also urged government to extend proper sanitation programmes like reusable pads to rural schools in Uganda. Amongin identified the lack of appropriate disposal facilities as one of the psychological and physical pains that school going female children undergo during menstruation periods. She appealed to the Ministry of Education Science and Technology and Civil Society to continue supporting the girl-child by ensuring that there is access to sanitary materials and information.

The Chairperson of the Parliamentary WASH Forum, Jalia Bintu, speaking at the launch of the menstrual charter said that government needs to follow international standards in promoting hygiene in women. She also tasked Government to construct toilets and water systems along all major highways and in schools as a way of promoting health and sanitation in the community.