Growing Confidence and Breaking Menstrual Stigma in Schools
Girls upkeep sanitation pads in their special MHM room
Through practical education and peer support, Greentech Hub is helping girls manage menstruation with dignity while encouraging boys to become informed and supportive classmates.
A girl’s first period can bring questions, uncertainty, and anxiety, especially when it happens at school. Clear information, practical skills, and someone she trusts can help her feel prepared and confident.
Through its Behaviour Change for Health project, Greentech Hub made menstrual health education an important part of its school water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) work. The sessions involved both girls and boys, helping students understand menstruation as a natural part of growing up. Girls learned how to manage their periods and seek support, while boys learned how to show understanding, challenge stigma, and support their classmates respectfully.
Training covered menstrual hygiene, the use of sanitary pads, and appropriate disposal. Demonstrations introduced disposable and reusable pads, helping students understand the options available. The sessions also addressed common myths and fears, creating opportunities for learners to ask questions and discuss concerns.
This practical approach addressed needs that general classroom lessons did not always meet. School health teachers and matrons were recognised as trusted sources of ongoing guidance, while attention to privacy and menstrual hygiene facilities reinforced the learning.
At Itandula Secondary School, the initiative has helped build a group of students who understand menstrual hygiene management and are ready to support others. These peer supporters can offer reassurance and guidance to new Form One students and girls experiencing their first period, helping them find assistance when they need it.
By combining practical education with a supportive school environment, Greentech Hub is encouraging a culture in which menstruation can be discussed without shame and girls can feel more comfortable, respected, and confident at school.