Menstrual Hygiene Management

Project Scope

Advancement of Education for young women in Central Highlands

Project Description

In the schools located throughout the central highlands region, an alarming increase in absenteeism among young female students has been observed. This persistent absence from school has had a direct impact on their education, causing many to miss out on valuable learning opportunities. Upon investigation, it was determined that the primary cause of this absenteeism was period poverty. The young women affected lacked access to adequate sanitary facilities and were unable to afford sanitary pads. As a result, they were compelled to stay at home during menstruation, highlighting a significant barrier to their educational advancement.

UOJAAUK joined forces with MMO, an organisation dedicated to the welfare of people from the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, to address period poverty among young women. As part of a pilot study, TMV School in Talawakole, Sri Lanka was selected as the initial site for this intervention. An awareness day programme was organised, involving the active participation of representatives from University of Jaffna students from the Central Highlands, the Local Medical Officer for Health, the school’s Head Teacher, and HEMAS, a supplier of sanitary pads.

During the project, HEMAS installed a sanitary pad dispenser at the school and committed to providing a supply of sanitary pads for a period of three months. UOJAAUK provided the necessary funding to support these efforts. Additionally, a Sri Lankan Government scheme commenced to further support the provision of sanitary pads to schools in the region.

This initiative not only benefited a segment of young women in the Central Highlands by improving their access to menstrual hygiene products, but it also offered University of Jaffna students an invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience in project management.