By Abdul Karim Ssensamba
International Menstrual Hygiene Day May 28, 2025
In the heart of Kyaka II Refugee Settlement in Uganda, something remarkable happened on May 28, 2025. A day that could have passed unnoticed in the crowded calendar of humanitarian crises instead became a powerful moment of dignity, voice, and health.
Led by Davision Refugee Youth and Women Organisation in partnership with Refugee Healthcare Providers (RHCP), the celebration of International Menstrual Hygiene Day turned into a transformative experience for over 500 people.
Under the global theme “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld,” we witnessed what happens when communities take the lead in solving their own challenges with the right support.
This was more than an event. It was a movement for girls, for health equity, for dignity.
Menstrual Health: A Barrier That Shouldn’t Exist
In refugee settings, menstruation is often a silent crisis. Girls miss school. Women suffer in silence. Periods become a source of shame, not strength. This is what we call period poverty a lack not only of sanitary products, but also of safe spaces, knowledge, and support.
On this day, we aimed to rewrite that narrative. We distributed 300 menstrual hygiene kits to 200 adolescent girls and 100 young refugee women, a simple yet critical step to ensure no girl misses school because of her period.
“I used to miss school because I didn’t have pads, ” shared a 15-year-old girl. Now I can go every day with confidence.”
But providing products is just the beginning. Our community camp included dialogues on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), medical check-ups, distribution of essential medicines, and malaria testing. We also provided Jik (disinfectant) to promote personal and household hygiene, ensuring that health is addressed holistically.
Leticia’s Voice: A Call for Respect and Dignity
One of the most unforgettable moments came from Leticia, an adolescent girl who stood up and spoke from her heart. Her words echoed across the gathering:
“Sometimes we are silent because we don’t feel safe to speak. But today, I feel seen and heard. Please always remember our privacy and dignity matter.”
Leticia’s courage reminded everyone present that change must begin by listening. By respecting the lived experiences of refugee girls, we can build solutions that are not only effective, but also just.
The Power of Local Women Leading the Way
The success of the day belonged to many, especially the women and girls who led the initiative from the ground up. Iman Paula, Mutesi Ivet, Rayash, and Carine served as the heart of the coordination team, taking the lead in organizing the event.
A particularly moving moment came from Paula, who presented her original poem, “The Journey I Am”. In it, she celebrated the resilience, strength, and potential of refugee girls. Her message was clear: when we invest in girls, we invest in a brighter, more just future.
“This is more than just a pad,” Paula said. “It’s about being seen, respected, and heard.”
Community, Health, and Connection
Beyond the services and speeches, the camp was also about connection. Cultural expression, storytelling, and gift-giving helped foster belonging and restore a sense of normalcy that is often missing in displacement settings.
Community leaders, parents, and partners came together to reaffirm their commitment to supporting adolescent girls not just on this day, but every day. They spoke of the urgent need for education, leadership training, psychosocial support, and inclusive policies that protect and empower refugee women and girls.
Recommendations: Moving from One Day to Everyday
The celebration of Menstrual Hygiene Day is just a starting point. Based on the success of this event and the voices from the ground, we urge continued and expanded support from donors, governments, and humanitarian actors. Recommendations from our community include:
- Increase support for community-driven projects that are culturally grounded and locally led.
- Build leadership skills among refugee girls and women to become health ambassadors and advocates.
- Expand access to essential health services, including SRHR and menstrual hygiene.
- Promote inclusive policies that prioritize refugee health rights.
- Invest in monitoring and learning for accountability and improvement.
- Ensure access to STI/UTI testing kits, and apply sustainable treatment approaches.
- Engage boys and men in conversations about menstruation to dismantle stigma.
Health. Dignity. Voice.
This year’s International Menstrual Hygiene Day in Kyaka II was about more than health. It was about restoring dignity, amplifying voices, and proving that local communities when trusted and supported can lead change.
We thank all our partners, volunteers, community leaders, and especially the brave girls like Leticia who remind us why this work matters.
When we stand together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld, we don’t just distribute pads we build futures.
📍 Location: Sweswe Dam 1, Kyaka II Refugee Settlement
🎯 Organized by: Davision Refugee Youth and Women Organisation
🤝 In partnership with: Refugee Healthcare Providers (RHCP)
📧 Contact: Abdul Karim Ssensamba – ugrocketmail@gmail.com | ug2011karimssens@gmail.com
📞 Tel: +256 756 125096 | +256 784 467 769
