Kigoma, Tanzania | August 2026
For a girl who unexpectedly starts her period while at school, access to a sanitary pad can determine whether she remains in class or has to return home.
This August, CLEAR VISION FOR CHANGE (CIVISCE), in partnership with Women in Africa Venturing Education (WAVE), reached 975 girls across four secondary schools in Kigoma Ujiji Municipality with menstrual health education, reusable sanitary pads and panties.
A total of 1,000 packs were provided, with 25 packs retained as emergency reserves in schools to support girls who may unexpectedly need menstrual products during the school day.
The initiative was designed not only to provide menstrual products, but also to strengthen girls’ knowledge and confidence in managing menstruation. During the school visits, girls received menstrual health education alongside practical guidance on the use of the products provided. But perhaps some of the most important lessons came from listening to teachers and school communities.
Cecilia Mwaipungu, a teacher and matron, explained how lack of sanitary pads can affect girls’ participation in education:
“Ukosefu wa pedi umekuwa kikwazo kwa baadhi ya wanafunzi wa kike kuendelea na masomo yao wakati wanapokuwa katika hedhi. Wakati mwingine mwanafunzi analazimika kurudi nyumbani, na wengine hubaki nyumbani na kutokuja shuleni kwa sababu ya kukosa pedi.”
Her experience reinforces an important reality: menstrual health is also an education issue.
Another school voice highlighted the challenges girls face when menstruation begins unexpectedly at school, including the possibility of staining their clothes. The speaker appreciated not only receiving pads and panties, but also the education provided on managing menstruation.
Our engagement with schools reminded us that providing sanitary pads is important—but pads alone are not enough.
Girls also need access to emergency menstrual supplies, water, soap, safe and private changing spaces, appropriate disposal facilities, menstrual health information and supportive teachers. CIVISCE’s staff reflection also identified the importance of engaging boys to help reduce stigma surrounding menstruation. These lessons are encouraging CIVISCE to think beyond periodic pad distribution towards a more comprehensive approach to menstrual-friendly schools, where girls can manage menstruation safely, privately and confidently without unnecessarily interrupting their education.
For CIVISCE and WAVE, the value of this initiative goes beyond the number of pads distributed.
It lies in what we learned by listening to girls, teachers and school leaders.
Their voices are helping us understand what more needs to be done—and how future partnerships can contribute to creating school environments where menstruation is never a barrier to education.
Every girl deserves to learn with dignity. And sometimes, listening to what happens after the pad is distributed is where the next solution begins.
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