Meanwhile, join us for an Instagram Live conversation at 12:30pm under the theme “Lived Experiences: My First Period” as we create a safe space to share, learn, and reflect on how menstruation is experienced across different journeys.
This discussion sits under the broader campaign #PeriodFriendlyWorld and #WASHforMenstrualHygiene, focusing on breaking stigma, amplifying real stories, and promoting dignity in menstrual health.
Whether you’re sharing your story, supporting someone else, or simply looking to learn, your voice matters. Let’s talk openly, honestly, and without shame.
💡Periods are a natural part of life. But for millions of girls and women, inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities make managing them difficult, unsafe, and undignified.
Every girl deserves access to clean water, safe sanitation, and the resources she needs to manage her period with confidence and dignity.
#PeriodFriendlyWorld | #WASHforMenstrualHygiene
If you could solve just one challenge girls face during their periods in your community, what would it be? Let's talk about the barriers that still stand in the way of menstrual dignity and well being.
#PeriodFriendlyWorld | #WASHforMenstrualHygiene
Period care is an essential WASH.
It’s effective menstrual health management depends on access to adequate water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene resources. Women and girls require clean water for personal hygiene, washing reusable menstrual products, and handwashing.
There’s also need for ;
1. Safe, private, and clean toilets where they can comfortably change menstrual products.
2. Access to affordable menstrual materials, proper disposal facilities such as bins or incinerators, and handwashing stations with soap and water are equally important.
3. Menstrual health education which helps to dispel myths and stigma surrounding menstruation, while supportive environments in schools, workplaces, and communities enable women and girls to manage their periods with dignity, confidence, and comfort.
#WASHformenstrualhygiene
#PeriodFriendlyWorld
Spot on 🫶.
It's more than just about handing out pads, it’s about dignity and opportunity. Without reliable clean water, private sanitation facilities, and proper education, millions of girls miss school, face stigma, or risk infections. I applaud the WASH investments, community-led solutions, and policies that treat this as a basic right, not a luxury. Every girl thrives every day of the month.
#PeriodFriendlyWorld #WASHforMenstrualHygiene
Small actions can make a big difference.
Safe menstrual hygiene begins with access to clean water, adequate sanitation, privacy, and the information people need to manage their periods with dignity.
Menstrual hygiene is about more than period products. It requires investment in WASH services that enable girls, women, and all people who menstruate to manage their periods safely, confidently, and without barriers.
We can create a world where menstrual health is supported, respected, and prioritized, because no one should be left behind simply because of their period.
#PeriodFriendlyWorld | #WASHforMenstrualHygiene
Did your school have a safe and private place to manage periods?
For many girls, the answer to this question can affect confidence, attendance, learning, and dignity.
We work alongside communities, schools, local government, and partners to strengthen WASH systems
Did your school have a safe and private place to manage periods?
Interestingly, most schools don’t provide enough safe and secure places for such a monthly occurrence leading to many girls missing school
#PeriodFriendlyWorld#WASHformenstrualhygiene
“Your period is not something to fear, hide, or feel ashamed of. It is normal — and you deserve care, knowledge, and support.” - @CateNimanya, Regional Director, Africa @Water4PeopleUG#PeriodFriendlyWorld
Instead of being shrouded in secrecy, shame and stigma, conversations around menstrual health and hygiene should be open and respectful. Conversations that should be normalized among younger people of all genders. #PeriodFriendlyWorld
Most of us were taught to whisper about periods before we even understood them.
Not because they are shameful, but because society made them uncomfortable to talk about.
Imagine how different things would be if every girl grew up knowing: • periods are normal
• pain and questions deserve attention
• and dignity during menstruation is a right, not a privilege.
The conversation we avoid is often the one that changes lives most. 💜
#PeriodFriendlyWorld
If you could go back and tell your younger self one thing about periods, what would it be?
For me, I would tell my younger self that it is normal and okay to start earlier than your peers.
I would also tell my younger self that it is nothing to be ashamed of.
#PeriodFriendlyWorld
#MenstrualHealth
What’s one thing you wish your younger self knew about periods?
That they are natural, normal & nothing to be ashamed of.
Every conversation we start helps break stigma, builds confidence & ensures girls can manage menstruation with dignity.
Let’s normalize the conversation.
Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) remains one of the most visible yet under-prioritized gaps within Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) systems.
Across Uganda, Rwanda and so many other countries, many women and girls continue to manage menstruation without reliable access to safe water, adequate sanitation facilities, or accurate
information.
These challenges extend far beyond physical discomfort; they directly affect dignity, confidence, school attendance, and full participation in daily life.
#PeriodFriendlyWorld
#MenstrualHealth
Menstrual Health & Hygiene (MHH) remains an unattended to gap in WASH systems in Uganda, Rwanda, and beyond. Many women and girls still lack safe water, proper sanitation, & accurate menstrual health information affecting dignity, confidence, education.
#PeriodFriendlyWorld
We are honored to be part of the 15th Annual WASH CSOs Forum, convened by the Uganda Water and Sanitation Network (UWASNET) under the theme “WASH Innovations for Sustainable Development.”