The staff of Nile Breweries Limited donated reusable pads worth 5 Million to 500 girls from 6 schools in Buikwe District on April 25th. The donation drive is part of NBL’s volunteering programme aimed at creating a better world as is the mandate of the business. “We want you to become women of stature who make a difference in society by completing your education, so that you can become role models in your communities,” said Mr Thomas Kamphuis, Country Director NBL. “NBL may be your future employer when you graduate, so you must work hard and stay in school,” he added. According to a Unesco Report, one in 10 girls in Sub-Saharan Africa miss school during her menstrual cycle due to lack of proper sanitary towel and this impacts on their performance in school.

A survey by Hygiene Water and Sanitation Caritas Fort Portal (HEWASA) released last year, carried out in more than 25 primary schools in Kagadi District revealed that schoolgirls are using banana fibers as sanitary pads during their menstrual cycle. This donation will enable the girls concentrate in class rather than be on tension or not come to school because they fear to be embarrassed,” said Ms Mary Ndagire, the head teacher of Naminya Church of Uganda, where the event took place. Other schools in attendance included Kiira Public school, Kiyagi Primary School, Naminya Roman Catholic School, Wakisi Umea and Wakisi Roman Catholic School.

The event was graced by the deputy Mayor Wakisa division Ms Halima Namata, councilors, parents and other district leaders. “I used to use pieces of clothes but those couldn’t contain my period so my dress would get stained. The boys used to laugh at me so I started staying at home during period. I’m happy to get these reusable pads, I hope things will be different now, “Catherine Namusime a student from Kiyagi Primary School said. The girls were taken through an exclusive, comprehensive menstrual health management and sexuality education from staff of Uni Pads Uganda, who together with So Sure provided the pads. They also donated books and pens. Having started distributing reusable pads to rural school girls last year, NBL hopes to reach over 1000 girls every year.