More than 200 schoolgirls in Imehejek Primary School of Lopa/Lafon county in Eastern Equatoria State received sanitary towels on Friday.
The distribution, done by a local women group, ITWAK, based in Torit, aims to keep girls in schools throughout the month.
Oromo Jimmy Kornelio, the program manager of ITWAK said the distribution was prompted by the need to create an enabling environment for girls to be in school throughout the month.
“We are distributing dignity kits, and menstrual hygiene kits mainly targeting schoolgirls in Imehejek Primary School. We have 230 beneficiaries who have benefitted from these materials we have given. We realized that some adolescent girls when they have their menstrual cycle sometimes, they feel shy about it they cannot manage it well,” he said.
Jimmy stressed that they will also teach the girls how to use the pads to increase their confidence and reduce stigma related to menstruation.
Winny Alex Ohidong, a Primary 5 pupil and beneficiary of the kits said the materials will help her maintain hygiene.
“We received soaps, bathing soaps, and our special things for girls. It will help us during menstruation. We will be able to wash very clean, dress, and walk to school well,” she said.
Winnie added, “A time when one is in menstruation boys abuse us and even, we feel ashamed in front of our friends. Sometimes they neglect you until you will even go home frustrated. You will fear going to school and as for me, I use to go to school skipping some days until my menstruation is over. Now I will attend school daily.”
Another beneficiary, Hellen Imanya Gasmiro a Primary 7 pupil says she can now attend school regularly without interruptions.
“We received some plastics and some bags. These soaps will help us in washing our clothes so that we can go to school smart and even you know I cannot go to school if my period is flowing am now happy we are given many things," Imanya said.