THE ISSUE
Girls are missing school while they're on their periods, due to poverty and stigma, depriving them of getting a quality education. Missing days at school can lead girls to drop out altogether, putting them at greater risks of child marriage, and getting pregnant at a younger age.
Lack of education for girls can lead to substantial losses in national wealth. Women and girls’ access to Menstrual Health and Hygiene is a component of gender-responsive WASH services; Sustainable Developmet Goal 6.2 acknowledges the right to menstrual health and hygiene, with the explicit aim to, “By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations”. Without considering needs for safe and dignified menstruation, the world cannot achieve the vision for sanitation and hygiene under Goal 6.
Our mission is to work in partnerships with NGOs, faith-based organizations, international organizations, government institutions, local and international donors, volunteers locally and internationally to help Uganda achieve sustainable development goals with full participation of women and girls in societies and economics.
An equal and equitable Uganda that enables all women and girls to be equal citizens in all aspects of their lives and that protects and advances their menstrual health, sexual and reproductive health and rights.
RESPECT OF DIVERSITY
We embrace diversity, and promote fairness and respect for all.
INDIVIDUAL WORTH
We recognize the intrinsic value and potential of each individual.
PARTICIPATION AND INCLUSION
We promote opportunities for most marginalized people to have their voices heard.
EQUALITY
We actively seek the recognition of rights of all people, and challenge prejudice and discrimination.
HELPING PEOPLES WITH DISABILITIES
Meet Oliver a 32 years old disable woman, her disability stopped her from getting employment, she has been failing to access menstrual hygiene management materials she needs to manage her periods in dignity. Now The Pad Programme is providing menstrual hygiene management products to people like Oliver.
Disability discrimination is common in Mityana District and around Uganda and is compounded by intersecting inequalities related to gender, age, socio-economic status, ethnicity sexuality race and nationality. This has detrimental effects on SRHR and Menstrual Health, which vary for different disabilities. (e.g. Mobility limitations, vision impairments, intellectual or developmental impairments, etc.) Generally, experiences of menstruation among people with disabilities are negative and disempowering, especially since their bodies are often subject to control by caregivers and medical personnel.
We ensure access of menstrual products and information to people with disabilities through our field champions (volunteers), providing basic training to service providers and caregivers.
SUPPORT THE PAD PROGRAMME
Every contribution makes a difference, please DONATE
WE RECEIVE DONATIONS THROUGH THE FOLLOWING CHANNELS;
BANK DEPOSIT
BANK NAME; STANBIC BANK UGANDA LIMITED
ACCOUNT NAME; WASSWA JEROME
ACCOUNT NO; 9030018346868
SWIFT CODE; SBICUGKX
WORLD REMIT | WESTERN UNION | MONEYGRAM
RECEIVERS NAMES; WASSWA JEROME
COUNTRY; UGANDA
TEL; +256 704587633 (AIRTEL MONEY)
EMAIL; wasswajerome@gmail.com
OUR SERVICES
Sensitization
through our volunteers we sensitize the population about rights of women and girls, because women and girls in Uganda continue to face multiple barriers based on gender and its intersections with other factors, such has age, ethnicity, poverty and disability, in the equal enjoyment of right of quality education. This includes barriers at all levels, such as;
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Harmful gender stereotypes and wrongful gender stereotyping.
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Gender based violence (GBV), against women and girls.
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Lack of inclusive and quality learning environments and inadequate and unsafe education infrastructures, including sanitation.
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Child marriage and early and unintended pregnancy.
Education
most of the girls experience their first menstrual cycle with no prior knowledge or support.
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How do I make a pad?
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How do I keep myself clean?
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How to I manage my periods at school?
Girls don’t always have access to these answers, menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is incredibly important and there’s a huge information gap that currently exists and The Pad Programme (TPP) is working to improve education and information about menstruation directly with adolescents in their schools and communities, through education for all (Women, Girls, Boys and Men) including Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) as part of in-school and out-of-school curricula, and raising awareness about the linkages between menstruation and harmful practices such as child, early and forced marriage (CEFM).
The Pad Programme is advocating for WASH in schools, workplaces and communities at village, sub county, county and district levels targeting decision makers ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Women and girls are emphasized in (SDS) Goal 6; by 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of girls and women and those in vulnerable situations.
Every girl has the power to transform her own future, and build a life free from poverty if only she's given the chance, join
The Pad Programme to provides MHM kits including sanitary pads, underwear, laundry soap, a bucket and pouches to women and girls affected by period poverty.