By Emmanuel Chibasa
Menstruation is a natural part of
life for every woman and girl. Yet for thousands of schoolgirls in Tanzania, it
remains a challenge that affects their health, education, dignity and overall
well-being.
While some girls are able to manage
their menstrual periods safely, many others face barriers that force them to
miss classes, lose confidence and struggle to participate fully in school
activities.
According to Tanzania’s Ministry of
Health, approximately 15 million girls and women out of the country’s 61.7
million population experience menstruation. To manage menstruation safely and
with dignity, girls and women need access to accurate information, clean water
and sanitation services, safe menstrual products and supportive environments.
The Constitution of the United
Republic of Tanzania (1977) provides a foundation for menstrual health rights
through broader protections of human dignity, health and education. Article
9(a) and (f) directs state authorities and institutions to ensure that human
dignity and fundamental rights are respected and protected, including the
rights to health and education for all.
Despite efforts by the Government of
Tanzania and development partners to improve menstrual health and hygiene,
challenges remain particularly among girls from low-income families. Many
schoolgirls continue to miss classes because they cannot afford sanitary pads.
At Kwangwa “A” Primary School in Musoma Municipality, Mara Region, the problem remains a significant obstacle to girls’ education. The school has a total enrollment of 1,507 pupils, including 738 girls and 769 boys. Several students including Lightness Jumapili, Gladness Jackson, Maria Peter, and Gloria Amos, shared their experiences.
Fourteen-year-old Lightness
Jumapili, a Grade Seven pupil from Mshikamano, says one of the biggest
challenges girls face is missing school during menstruation because they lack
sanitary pads and the money needed to buy them.
“Sometimes a girl starts her period unexpectedly while at school and stains her clothes without having a change of clothes. It becomes very embarrassing in front of classmates and often forces her to leave school before classes end,” she says.
According to Lightness, the
challenge affects girls’ participation in class and often undermines their
confidence.
“I ask the government and
organizations to support us because we are the future leaders. We need access
to sanitary pads so that we can attend classes like other students,” she says.
Twelve-year-old Gladness Jackson, a
Grade Five pupil at the school, says many girls experience fear and anxiety
during menstruation.
“A girl may start her period and
become afraid to enter the classroom or sit near other students because she
fears staining her clothes and being laughed at. The situation becomes worse
when parents cannot afford sanitary pads,” she says.
Gladness calls for greater awareness
among parents regarding menstrual health and the importance of providing girls
with safe menstrual products.
Maria Peter, a 12-year-old Grade Six
pupil, says the lack of sanitary pads causes some girls to stay home for
several days every month.
“When girls miss school because they
do not have sanitary pads, they fall behind in their studies. We ask the
government and private organizations to continue supporting us so we can manage
our periods safely and continue learning,” she says.
For Gloria Amos, also a Grade Six
pupil, the consequences go beyond education.
“Girls need support. Without basic
necessities such as sanitary pads, some become vulnerable to exploitation and
risky situations that may lead to teenage pregnancy and school dropout,” she
says.
The testimonies of these girls demonstrate
how menstruation can become a barrier to education when safe environments and
menstrual products are unavailable.
Kulwa Gervas, a teacher and guidance
and counseling coordinator at Kwangwa “A” Primary School, says absenteeism
among girls during menstruation remains a major concern, largely due to the
economic hardships faced by some families.
“Sometimes a girl returns to school
after several days and explains that she was on her period but had no sanitary
pads. Others are told to use ordinary cloths that may not always be safe,” says
Kulwa.
She urges the government and
development partners to invest more in menstrual health programs in primary
schools.
“A lot of attention is often
directed toward secondary schools, yet the challenges in primary schools are
equally serious. Children are reaching puberty earlier than before, increasing
the need for menstrual health education and support,” she adds.
Rose Nyamhanga, a mother of three
and resident of Mwisenge in Musoma Municipality, says poverty makes it
difficult for some parents to purchase sanitary pads every month.
“We appreciate organizations that
support our children because many parents cannot afford these costs regularly.
Such assistance helps girls continue their education,” she says.
The challenges faced by girls in
Kwangwa reflect a broader national reality.
Speaking during the 2026 World
Menstrual Hygiene Day celebrations in Kibondo District, Kigoma Region, Deputy
Minister of Health Dr. Florence Samizi, representing Health Minister Mohamed
Mchengerwa, called upon communities, public institutions and private
organizations to work together to eliminate menstrual stigma and ensure access
to menstrual health services.
Dr. Samizi emphasized that
menstruation is a normal biological process and not a disease or a source of
shame.
“Communities must challenge harmful
myths and stigma that prevent girls from participating fully in education and
social life,” she said.
She noted that studies indicate 27
percent of girls in Tanzania miss at least three days of school every month
because of menstruation, resulting in the loss of more than 30 school days per
year and negatively affecting academic performance.
According to Dr. Samizi, the
government continues to invest in menstrual-friendly infrastructure, including
improved sanitation facilities, access to water, and safe learning environments
that protect the health, dignity, and well-being of girls and women.
Bakari Nyamsosa, Executive Director
of Rising Hope Organization Tanzania, says the organization launched its
sanitary pad distribution program after discovering that many girls were
regularly absent from school.
“Our assessment revealed that lack
of sanitary pads was one of the main reasons girls missed four to five days of
school every month. We started providing sanitary pads to improve attendance
and boost girls’ confidence,” he says.
According to Nyamsosa, the
initiative has already produced positive results.
“Since we started distributing
sanitary pads, we have seen improved attendance among girls. However, the
demand remains far greater than our capacity. We need stronger collaboration
with the government and partners to reach more girls,” he says.
The Ministry of Health warns that
poor menstrual hygiene management can increase the risk of urinary tract
infections, reproductive health complications, and long-term social and
economic disadvantages for girls and women.
The ministry encourages parents,
teachers and communities to provide accurate information about menstruation and
puberty while ensuring girls have access to safe menstrual hygiene products.
Every year on May 28, the world
commemorates Menstrual Hygiene Day to raise awareness, combat stigma, and
advocate for access to menstrual health services and products.
The 2026 theme is:
“Empower Dignified Menstrual Environments
for All Girls and Women.”
For the girls of Kwangwa, this theme
represents more than a slogan. It symbolizes hope for a future where no girl
will be forced to miss school, lose confidence or abandon her dreams simply
because she lacks access to sanitary pads.
