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A Shawl, a taxi, and a boda rider: Why menstrual preparedness matters
In a taxi, a woman unexpectedly asked for a shawl as her period began, leading to a moment of solidarity. The author reflects on the lack of open conversations about menstruation in society and highlights the need for menstrual preparedness. FlowReady aims to educate families and empower girls to understand this natural stage of life.
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A quiet thank you, as the year comes to a close
This year, FlowReady emphasized building trust with girls, families, and schools, assisting over 250 girls. Support included menstrual health education for girls and boys, distribution of sanitary supplies, and creating safe school environments. Future efforts will focus on enhancing educational resources and partnerships, ensuring sustainable support for girls.
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Our follow-up with girls and parents in Mayuge
Earlier in August the FlowReady team, in partnership with Community Self Driven Projects (CSDP), returned to Makembo St. Luke Primary School in Mayuge District—four months after our first menstrual health education session and FlowReady Kit distribution. This time, we weren’t just checking in on the girls. We also engaged with teachers, boys, and—for the very…
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Sanitation and menstruation: Where can I go?
In many communities across Uganda and beyond, the lack of basic sanitation — no toilets, no clean water, no safe spaces, leaves girls facing an impossible and undignified question every single month: Where can I go? For millions of girls and women globally, menstruation is a monthly crisis.
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FlowReady at CPD58: menstrual health takes center stage
Last week, our Founder attended a historic United Nations event focusing on menstrual health, marking its significance in global population discussions. Champions like Fós Feminista and EVA Nigeria highlighted myths and taboos hindering girls’ opportunities. The session inspired hope for progress, advocating for dignity, education, and menstrual justice globally.
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Breaking taboos: Enhancing menstrual hygiene in schools
FlowReady and CSDP visited Makembo Primary School to promote menstrual health education for upper primary students, emphasizing the importance of health knowledge alongside traditional education. They distributed reusable sanitary pads to reduce absenteeism among girls and fostered a collaborative environment among community stakeholders to create respectful and inclusive learning spaces.
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Empowering Girls Before Menarche: A Holistic Approach
The significance of menarche (first period) in a young girl’s life, particularly in rural areas where societal pressures can hinder opportunities. FlowReady’s initiative in Uganda has equipped over 200 girls with menstrual kits and education, promoting dignity and challenging harmful norms. This proactive approach aims to empower girls and foster gender equality.
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“Do we need to know such intimate knowledge of what women go through?”
FlowReady’s founder, a former NTV Uganda journalist, passionately advocates for reporting on women’s and children’s issues, particularly menstruation. Despite initial resistance and societal taboos, she successfully aired a feature on menstrual health, emphasizing its significance for education, dignity, and equality. This pioneering effort aims to break stigmas and empower girls.
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My journey through menarche: embracing the first period
Lynette reflects on her journey with menstruation, starting with her first period at 9. She shares her experiences of coping with pain, exploring sustainable menstrual products, and the anxiety surrounding potential staining. Encouraged by her mothers’ support, she aims to empower others through education and promote sustainable practices for menstruation.
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Supporting Luweero Girls with sustainable menstrual health solutions
On November 15, 2024, FlowReady and Girls Outloud empowered 230 girls by providing menstrual hygiene education and supplies. The initiative included reusable pads, soap, and menarche training for community support. While successful, it highlighted challenges like demand for products and boys’ interest, emphasizing the need for sustainable outreach and education.
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Empowering Girls Through Menstrual Education
Vivian shares her impactful journey to Luweero, highlighting the critical issues of period poverty faced by girls. During school visits, she discovered the struggles of accessing products, emphasizing the importance of menstruation education. FlowReady provides reusable pads and menstrual health education, aiming to empower young girls and dismantle societal taboos.
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I’m Lynette, 10 and already bleeding
Lynette, a ten-year-old, discusses menstruation, emphasizing the importance of self-ownership and avoiding unwanted advances during periods. She advises carrying menstrual pads and sharing experiences with trusted individuals like parents. Lynette learned about her period from her mother, encouraging openness and confidence in discussing menstruation, especially getting to menarche without embarrassment.
