This Is My Cycle

This is My Cycle is a Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) initiative designed to reduce stigma, improve awareness, and provide practical resources for adolescent girls. By combining education, creative expression, access to hygiene products, and construction of safe facilities, the program ensures girls can manage menstruation with dignity and continue their education without disruption.

THE CHALLENGE GIRLS FACE

• Over 50% of Tanzanians lack adequate sanitation; many schools lack functional WASH facilities or proper menstrual waste disposal structures.
• 16% of schoolgirls miss school due to menstruation-related issues; anxiety and stigma further impacting class attendance. (PMC)
• Period teasing is prevalent: 13% of girls have been teased, and over 80% fear being teased by male classmates. (PubMed)

WHAT MAKES THE PROGRAM UNIQUE

The program combines education, mentorship across genders, infrastructure, and tangible hygiene supplies to address both knowledge and environment conduciveness for adolescent girls

• The program inclusively engages both girls and boys to raise awareness and reduce stigma.
• Solutions are co-created with communities and beneficiaries to ensure interventions are tailored and context-specific.
• Arts competitions featuring poetry, drawings, songs, and drama are used to normalize menstruation.
• Essential resources, including offline period trackers, sanitary pads, and fully equipped WASH facilities, are provided to support effective learning environments.