When Periods Open Doors: How Menstrual Health is Empowering Girls in Kigoma

By CIVISCE Communications Team | February 2025

At CIVISCE, we’ve learned that sometimes the most powerful conversations start with something simple – something many girls experience but rarely talk about openly: their periods.

In our recent initiative at Mwananchi Secondary School, Kigoma, we brought together 150 adolescent girls to talk about menstrual health. But what started as a conversation about pads and periods quickly turned into something much deeper about understanding their bodies, making informed choices, and knowing where to turn when questions come up.

“I didn’t know my period was connected to when I could get pregnant. Now I feel more in control of my body,” one student shared.

A New Doorway to Deeper Conversations

We came in with sanitary pads and a goal: to talk about menstrual health in a way that was practical, relatable, and empowering. By explaining how the menstrual cycle works and answering the questions girls have been afraid to ask, we helped open the door to conversations many had never had before.

From there, the girls themselves led the way curious, engaged, and eager to understand how to take care of their reproductive health in a safe and responsible way. What we learned was simple but powerful: when girls understand their periods, they begin to understand their power.

Creating Safe, Supportive Spaces

One of the most moving parts of the day was seeing how quickly the girls felt safe. They asked bold questions. They listened to each other. They leaned in. And with our trained counselor available to offer one-on-one support after the session, they also knew they had someone they could trust when more personal questions arose.

“One girl came up to me afterward and said, ‘Thank you. No one has ever explained this to us like this before.’ That moment stayed with me,” said one of our facilitators.

Our counselor continues to provide guidance beyond the session, whether it’s about menstrual health, self-care, or where to go for help with health-related concerns. This kind of ongoing support is key.

When Schools Become Gateways to Change

What we saw that day reminded us why school-based programs matter. Schools are more than classrooms, they are entry points to critical information and life skills. By starting with menstrual health, we were able to meet the girls where they are, and open up space for honest, life-changing conversations.

And the impact? It was immediate. Some students quietly sought follow-up support after the session. They knew where to go. They knew who to trust. And that, to us, is success.

A Model for the Future

Menstrual health is not just about hygiene – it’s about dignity, confidence, and knowledge. It’s a starting point that can lead to safer decisions, stronger self-awareness, and healthier lives.

At CIVISCE, we see this strategy not just as an event, but as a model we hope to expand. By building trust through relatable, safe topics, we’re helping girls gain the confidence to take control of their health and future – on their own terms.

Looking Ahead

We’re just getting started. We’ll continue to build on this model, work closely with schools, and advocate for spaces where girls can learn without fear or judgment.

Because when a girl understands her body, she begins to understand her worth – and nothing is more powerful than that.