Overview:
This initiative, part of EACOP's Social Economic Investment, addresses a critical barrier to education by promoting menstrual health.
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Ltd., in partnership with Malaika, has launched a “Keep a Girl in School” initiative, distributing dignity hampers to 1,000 schoolgirls across the districts of Hoima, Kikuube, Kakumiro, Mubende, and Kyankwanzi.
This initiative, part of EACOP’s Social Economic Investment, addresses a critical barrier to education by promoting menstrual health.
The hampers, designed to ensure girls’ consistent attendance, contain reusable sanitary pads (four packets), three pairs of underwear, detergent, and a bucket. These sustainable products offer a long-term solution to the challenges faced by girls lacking access to menstrual hygiene supplies.
Statistics from Human Rights Watch indicate that one in ten girls in sub-Saharan Africa miss school during their menstrual cycle due to a lack of sanitary amenities, impacting both their education and confidence. This issue is particularly acute in rural and impoverished areas within the Albertine region, where poverty limits access to essential menstrual hygiene products.
Matred Murungi, EACOP’s Social and Environmental Investment Manager, officially handed over the hampers at a ceremony held at Kabaale Public Primary School, Hoima District. She emphasized the initiative’s role in empowering girls through education and improving school retention.
“Menstrual health is fundamental to girls’ success in school,” Murungi stated. “By providing access to sanitary products, we are removing a significant barrier to education and fostering gender equity.”
Dan Busobozi, speaking on behalf of Kabaale Public Primary School, commended EACOP’s efforts. “We thank EACOP for their partnership in ensuring our girls have access to proper menstrual hygiene,” he said.
EACOP’s initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education. The company calls on other organizations, community leaders, and individuals to join in accelerating action for gender equity by supporting initiatives that ensure access to menstrual products for all schoolchildren.