Women in Tanzania have convened for a national discussion to address gender support services in menstrual health and hygiene.
The discussion, held today, March 28, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, brought together various stakeholders in menstrual health and hygiene.
“The goal of this discussion is to ensure that no girl misses out on education due to a lack of menstrual health resources,” said Rebeca Gyumi, Executive Director of the Mwanamke Initiative.
The Mwanamke Initiative, a non-governmental organization, organized the event in collaboration with other governmental and private entities.
The gathering provided a platform for women to explore ways to accelerate improvements in menstrual health and hygiene across the country.
Tanzania has made strides in achieving gender equality in primary school enrollment through government initiatives such as free education and school infrastructure development.
However, many girls still face challenges related to menstrual health and hygiene, increasing their likelihood of dropping out of school.
“Period poverty remains a major issue,” said a participant from a community-based organization. “When girls cannot afford sanitary products, they are forced to stay home during their periods, which affects their academic performance and confidence.”
According to the 2022 Basic Education Statistics in Tanzania (BEST) report, 5.8 million girls were enrolled in primary education.
However, 61,023 girls dropped out of school, with 65,726 secondary school girls also leaving their studies.
These dropouts contribute to economic challenges as affected girls face a higher risk of unintended pregnancies, increasing the number of dependents in society.
Findings from the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in 2021 indicate that 52% of girls reported regularly using commercially manufactured sanitary pads, while 29% relied on disposable cloths and other materials. About 60% of girls could not afford industrially produced menstrual products.
“We need to push for policies that make menstrual products accessible and affordable for all girls,” Gyumi emphasized. “This is not just a women’s issue—it’s a national development issue.”
The discussion allowed stakeholders to share experiences and propose practical solutions. “It’s time to break the stigma around menstruation and ensure every girl has the dignity and support she deserves,” one advocate concluded.
