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Menstrual Hygiene & female health Management: Empowering Girls Through Education and Access
At the Shirin and Sajmila International Foundation (SSIF), we are committed to breaking the silence around menstrual health and hygiene, a pervasive issue that continues to hinder girls’ education and well-being in Bangladesh. By addressing cultural taboos, improving access to sanitary products, and providing practical education, we empower adolescent girls to pursue their education without interruption, while also fostering healthier communities. Besides, we provide menstrual hygiene kits in Gaza - which is on the Gaza Humanitarian Emergency section
Impact: Transforming Attendance and Confidence
The results of our interventions speak volumes. In the schools where we operate, we have recorded a 150% increase in female attendance, underscoring the profound impact of targeted, community-driven initiatives. Girls report feeling more confident and better equipped to manage their periods, while parents and teachers acknowledge the positive ripple effects on academic performance and self-esteem.
Our approach not only keeps girls in school but also fosters an environment where menstruation is seen as a normal biological process rather than a source of shame or secrecy. This shift in perspective is critical to achieving broader gender equality in education and beyond.
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Emergency Relief: Menstrual Health in Crisis Zones
During the devastating floods of 2022 and 2023 in Bangladesh, SSIF extended its menstrual health initiatives to remote and disaster-stricken areas, such as the Feni and Noakhali districts. These regions faced severe disruptions to infrastructure, leaving women and girls without access to basic menstrual hygiene supplies.
In response, our teams distributed menstrual hygiene kits that included sanitary pads, soap, and other essential items to thousands of women and girls. By providing these kits during emergencies, we ensured that menstrual health remained a priority even in the most challenging circumstances. This intervention also highlighted the intersection of menstrual health and disaster preparedness, reinforcing the need for gender-sensitive approaches in crisis response.
A Menstrual Health Revolution
At SSIF, we envision a world where menstruation is no longer a barrier to education or a source of discrimination. Our work aims to create systemic change by integrating menstrual hygiene management into broader health and education policies. By partnering with schools, NGOs, and community leaders, we are building a sustainable model that can be replicated across Bangladesh and beyond.
Through continued innovation, advocacy, and on-the-ground action, we aim to ensure that every girl—no matter where she lives—has the tools, knowledge, and support she needs to manage her menstrual health with dignity and confidence.