On the first day of the Menstrual Hygiene Management Conference in Uganda, the central message was clear: an educated girl is an empowered one.
Published on: 15/08/2014
"We should do everything to support girls to stay in school. An educated girl is an empowered one". These were the words from Honorable Sarah Opendi, Ministry of State for Primary Health Care, Government of Uganda as she was opening the Menstrual Hygiene Management conference today.
The objectives of the conference are to raise awareness on the impact of poor menstrual management; advocate for policy review; develop strategies; operationalizing existing policy and demonstrate sustainable good practices on menstrual management.
There is currently a Ugandan school health policy in a draft format that does not include a menstrual hygiene management (MHM) aspect. However, after this conference the aspect of MHM shall be included in this revised version of the policy as cited by Dr. Jane Egau, Ministry of Sports and Education, assistant commissioner in education.
In her message to the participants, the Minister of Education, Major Jessica Alupo, said "What a beautiful theme (to focus on in these times). Clearly this MHM conference is bringing to light the importance of breaking the silence around menstruation."
Following this blog, IRC staff members present at the conference in Uganda will provide an overview of the recommendations that have been developed by the various working groups.
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