Empowering Women in Jakiri: Menstrual Health Project Progress Update

The Saika Elisabeth Foundation (SELF), with funding from the Canadian Funds for Local Initiatives, continues its mission to restore the dignity and wellbeing of girls and women in the Jakiri municipality. From December 16th to 31st, 2024, key strides were made in educating communities about menstrual health, distributing reusable sanitary pads, and fostering open conversations to de-stigmatize menstruation.

Key Achievements:

• Open Community Dialogues: A forum at the SELF Garden of Hope encouraged men and women to discuss menstruation openly, breaking taboos and creating a more supportive community.

• Year-End Outreach: Leveraging festive gatherings, the team conducted educational sessions and interactive discussions on menstrual hygiene during end-of-year celebrations.

• Reusable Pad Distribution: 250 additional pads were distributed in the villages of Nkar Jakiri and Kifom, alongside continued menstrual health education.

• Community Feedback Sessions: During the Jakiri Parish Catholic Youth Rally, Q&A sessions and games provided valuable insights into the project's impact, allowing for adjustments and improvements.

Challenges and Adaptations:

Holiday festivities disrupted attendance at planned activities. The team adapted by integrating project efforts into larger community events, effectively reaching more people.

Next Steps (January 1st–15th, 2025):

• Conduct dialogue and lobbying meetings in Nkar, Jakiri, and Kifom villages.

• Initiate courtesy visits to traditional leaders to foster ongoing community support.

Despite holiday-related challenges, SELF’s efforts have successfully raised awareness, distributed reusable pads, and gathered feedback for future improvements. By engaging traditional leaders and sustaining education efforts, the project aims to create lasting change in menstrual health and hygiene practices in Jakiri.