From Stigma to Strength: Expanding Menstrual Health Clubs in Jakiri

Celebrating the menstrual health club

The Saika Elisabeth Foundation (SELF), with support from the Canadian Funds for Local Initiatives, continues its mission to improve menstrual health in Jakiri. From February 1st to 15th, the project made significant progress in education, community engagement, and sustainability efforts.

Key Achievements

Dialogue & Lobbying Meetings: Three additional meetings were held in Sop, Noi, and Jakiri, bringing together local leaders, parents, and health workers. Over 45 participants joined discussions on menstrual health, increasing community support and awareness.

Expanding Menstrual Health Clubs: A new Menstrual Health Hygiene Club was launched at the Islamic Secondary School in Jakiri, providing students with menstrual health first aid kits. Boys and girls in the club received training to raise awareness and break taboos, ensuring long-term impact.

Strengthening Community Involvement: Two meetings with traditional leaders in Sop and Jakiri resulted in greater community advocacy. Additionally, four menstrual health hygiene committees were formed in Sop, Shiy, Guartang, and Jakiri to sustain education efforts beyond the project’s completion.

Gathering Feedback: Interviews with 25 beneficiaries revealed increased confidence among girls in managing menstruation. However, the need for better sanitary facilities in schools remains a challenge.

Challenges & Solutions

Limited access to toilets and water makes menstrual hygiene management difficult in schools. SELF is working with local authorities to improve infrastructure and exploring solutions like water tanks. To ensure long-term sustainability, ongoing training and partnerships are being developed for community committees and school clubs.

Next Steps

The project will continue expanding menstrual health clubs and committees, strengthen collaboration with traditional leaders, and gather insights for the final project report. A community celebration will mark the initiative’s impact and encourage local ownership of menstrual health education efforts.

This initiative is making lasting changes in Jakiri, ensuring that girls and women can manage their menstruation with dignity while breaking societal taboos. With strong community support, these efforts will continue beyond the project’s duration.