At Asante Africa Foundation, we recognize that addressing complex educational barriers requires innovative partnerships. By joining forces with specialized organizations that complement our mission, we create powerful synergies that amplify our collective impact and extend our reach to more vulnerable youth.  

We are pleased to highlight this important alliance that exemplifies how strategic collaboration enables us to tackle specific challenges like menstrual health that might otherwise impede educational success. Together, we’re removing obstacles, creating sustainable solutions and empowering young people with the resources they need to thrive in school and beyond. 

OUR PARTNERSHIP with DAYS FOR GIRLS UGANDA

In 2024, Asante Africa Foundation joined forces with Days for Girls Uganda to tackle one of the most persistent barriers to girls’ education: menstrual health management. This partnership was born out of a shared vision to empower girls in underserved communities in Kassanda and Kyenjojo districts, where lack of access to menstrual products and education often forces girls to miss school, drop out, or face stigma and shame.  

Days for Girls Uganda brought to the table their expertise in providing reusable menstrual hygiene kits and comprehensive menstrual health education. These kits, designed to last for years, are more than just a practical solution, they are a gateway to dignity, confidence and opportunity. Alongside the kits, Days for Girls Uganda supplied educational materials that Asante Africa Foundation used to teach girls how to manage their menstruation effectively, breaking down taboos and fostering open conversations about a topic that is often shrouded in silence.  

The impact of this collaboration has been profound. Through meticulous monitoring and evaluation, Days for Girls Uganda helped Asante Africa Foundation track the distribution of kits, gather feedback from beneficiaries and measure the program’s effectiveness. This data revealed tangible improvements like girls reported feeling more confident and comfortable, school attendance rates rose and participation in classroom activities increased. One of the most significant outcomes was the reduction in the number of girls missing school due to menstrual-related challenges.  

But our partnership didn’t stop at providing kits and education. Days for Girls Uganda’s insights led to actionable improvements in program delivery. For example, based on feedback from the community, the team ensured that girls received new kits before their existing ones ran out, minimizing disruptions to their education. This proactive approach not only enhanced the program’s efficiency but also demonstrated a deep commitment to meeting the needs of the girls it serves.  

Looking to the future, together we aim to expand our reach, bringing menstrual health solutions to more schools and communities. We also plan to integrate additional health and hygiene education, as well as explore ways to provide mental health support for girls. By evolving into a more holistic initiative, our collaboration seeks to address not just the physical challenges of menstruation but also the emotional and social barriers that girls face.  

Our partnership with Days for Girls Uganda is a testament to the power of collaboration in creating lasting change. Together, we are not only keeping girls in school but also empowering them to thrive, one kit at a time.

SUMMARY OF DAYS FOR GIRLS UGANDA

Founded in 2012 Days for Girls Uganda (DfGU) is dedicated to breaking down menstrual stigma and limitations through proven, life-changing menstrual health solutions. As an affiliate of Days for Girls International, the organization has contributed to reaching over 3 million women and girls across 145 countries on 6 continents.

Days for Girls Uganda has achieved significant milestones, including helping Uganda become one of the first African countries to establish standards for reusable sanitary pads in 2017, working collaboratively with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS). In 2022, DfGU began collaborating with Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports to draft the cost implementation action plan for the National Strategic Draft Plan for Menstrual Health and Hygiene, creating a framework to guide all menstrual health initiatives in Uganda.

To date, Days for Girls Uganda has positively impacted 149,586 people through distributing menstrual products, providing skills training for emergency reusable pad production, establishing locally-led social enterprises and developing strategic partnerships. Their commitment to expanding reach, innovating programs and empowering more women and girls in Ugandan communities continues to drive their mission of achieving “Menstrual Equity Everywhere Period.”