[[File:Sharon Nakalinda 3.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Sharon Nakalinda]]
'''''Country:''''' ''Uganda'' Tags: MHM, washable pads, health education, empowerment
=== Uganda: Promotion of locally made washable pads - Promotion story from Uganda ===
'''''Basic data: '''''
Pilot program in Uganda targeting MHM through local fabrication of washable pads. the distribution of menstrual hygiene kits and health education. Another aim is to generate income for women through starting small businesses. In 2014, Days for Girls launched an exciting partnership with the Dutch development organization, SNV Uganda, to reach 30,000 girls in 4 different districts through school-based training programs.
'''''The project and the experiences:'''''
“One day I was sitting in class and felt something wet pass through my skirt. I lived with only my brother and no one had ever told me about periods. I felt scared.” Sharon Nakalinda’s story is not unique in Uganda, where the topic of menstruation remains taboo and many girls and women lack the finances or financial decision-making power to purchase pads.
The last component of the program helps to create potential linkages between the product and the target end-users, and is supported by the awareness created through the educational programs. This third component involves working with low-income women in semi-urban and rural communities to act as Days for Girls ambassadors. The women are trained with entrepreneurial skills including marketing, budgeting, and business planning, and they are given the tools and resources needed to start their own Days for Girls Enterprise. Eunice, of Pallisa district, has already felt the impact of this program with the launch of her own Days for Girls Enterprise. She says, “I am now able to save something with the money I get from these kits. To date, I have sold 30 kits to some nearby schools.”
Through these enterprises, the women receive continued support and mentorship from Days for Girls, and they are provided with access to a set of low-cost menstrual hygiene solutions including Days for Girls kits, a locally made biodegradable disposable pad called “Makapads” from our partners at Technology 4 Tomorrow, and menstrual cups through our partner, Ruby Cup. They are also supported to host small community events to continue sparking discussion and education on menstrual hygiene and health.[[File:Neu Kit Uganda.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Locally made washable pads]]
These three programs work together to generate awareness and discussion around menstrual hygiene and reproductive health, and also serve to provide necessary access points into markets that are otherwise difficult to reach. And what does that mean for a student like Sharon? It means the potential for better attendance rates in school, improved hygiene, and more self-confidence. Sharon has been using her Days for Girls kit and sharing the information with her friends. She says, “I’m happy now that I know about the reusable pad.” Because health, hygiene and happiness go together!
Locally made washable pads help girls to manage their menstruation and can create income generation for women.
'''===Sustainability Criteria:'''===
''Health and Hygiene: ''Days for Girls menstrual hygiene kits are a safe and reliable alternative to many unhygienic menstrual solutions being utilized by girls in low-income settings, such as old cloths, newspaper and banana leaves.
''Environment and natural resources:'' Using menstrual hygiene kits eliminates the need for disposable products. Materials are sourced locally and do not have a substantial carbon emissions impact like imported goods.
''Socio-cultural and institutional aspects:'' The Days for Girls model is refined and adapted to each specific setting to ensure that the program being built is appropriate, and will be long lasting.
'''''===Project details:'''''===
'''Type of project: ''' Program to test a model that incorporates educational training programs, sewing of washable menstrual hygiene kits, and entrepreneurial skills development
'''Project period: ''' 2013, ongoing
'''Project scale: ''' 4 staff, 18 sewing contractors, scaling a proven approach
'''Financial support: ''' The Uganda project generates ~ 50% of its monthly budget with income from in-country sales & programs. The remaining 50% is funded by Days for Girls International.
'''''Days for Girls''''' is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring days of dignity, days of school, days of work, and days of health by providing an holistic approach to menstrual hygiene management. Days for Girls has over 300 volunteer chapters around the world and operates a full-time country program in Uganda.
'''''Contact:'''''
[[File:Logo days for girls.png|right|200px]]
===Contact===
Libby Daghlian
