Empowering Girls Through Menstrual Health Management: Lasting Impact at Milala Primary School

Head Teacher Matias Mapemba of Milala Primary School shared the transformative impact of CPAR’s Menstrual Health Management (MHM) project, which continues to benefit new cohorts of girls at her school, a school with hundreds of pupils.

Before the introduction of the MHM project, there was little effort or encouragement for girls to attend school during menstruation. The topic was rarely discussed within families or the community, and girls often stayed home out of embarrassment. This silence significantly affected school attendance and retention rates among girls.

Students demonstrating their hand sewing skill set develop this year with ongoing MHM training led by mother group members.

Since CPAR’s intervention, however, the change has been remarkable. Mrs. Mapemba noted a substantial year-over-year increase in girls’ enrollment and retention. The ability to manufacture their own reusable sanitary pads has equipped girls with the confidence to manage their menstruation without fear of stigma or embarrassment, particularly from the fear of staining their uniforms and being noticed by boys.

Combined with improved handwashing facilities, made possible by a rainwater harvesting tank and the construction of private change rooms, girls now attend school regularly and are able to keep pace with their male peers in class.

Matias Mapemba – Head Teacher with students and mother group members discussing the succession of CPAR’s MHM programming.

This impact has been sustained long after the initial project ended. The sewing machines provided through the initiative are still in use, continuing to empower girls with vital skills. Mother Group members - Felesiya Weluzani, Judith Sinkaika, and Mrs. Mwezi - expressed deep appreciation for this ongoing resource. They shared that girls from outside the school have also learned to make reusable pads, and some have even started producing them for sale. The income generated has enabled the purchase of new materials, allowing the program to continue, now fully supported by the community and school.

Mrs. Mapemba emphasized that the dedication of the Mother Group has been instrumental in ensuring the sustainability of the project. Their leadership has helped shift community attitudes and supported girls’ consistent school attendance, even years after the original project concluded.