More than 5,000 schoolgirls across five regions are set to benefit from a menstrual hygiene programme launched by TotalEnergies Marketing Tanzania Limited and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), aimed at reducing school absenteeism caused by lack of access to sanitary products.
The initiative, implemented through the Dignity Hamper, Keep a Girl in Schoo project, will distribute more than 40,000 reusable sanitary pads to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools in Dodoma, Manyara, Njombe, Tabora and Tanga regions.
The programme also includes the distribution of over 10,000 dignity hampers containing 20,000 pairs of underwear, two tonnes of laundry soap, 5,000 multipurpose buckets and 25,000 clothes pegs to support menstrual hygiene management.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at Mrijo Juu Secondary School in Chemba District on Thursday, June 25, 2026, TotalEnergies Marketing Tanzania's Legal and Corporate Affairs Director, Getrude Mpangile, said the initiative seeks to ensure that no girl misses school because she cannot afford menstrual hygiene products.
"Education is the foundation of a strong society and creates opportunities for future generations. No girl should miss school simply because she lacks access to basic menstrual hygiene products," she said.
Ms Mpangile said the project is designed to remove one of the barriers preventing girls from attending school consistently and learning with confidence.
EACOP Tanzania Corporate Affairs Director Geoffrey Mponda said investing in young people is an investment in Tanzania's future, adding that the partnership reflects the companies' commitment to delivering long-term social development programmes.
"The Dignity Hamper – Keep a Girl in School project aims to improve menstrual hygiene, increase school attendance and provide girls with a supportive environment to pursue their education without interruption," he said.
Representing the Chemba District Executive Director, Regina Bahaye commended the two companies for the support, saying it would help improve attendance among schoolgirls and encourage them to remain focused on their education.
"The support will help many girls remain in school and continue pursuing their dreams without the challenges associated with inadequate menstrual hygiene supplies," she said.
Students who received the support said the initiative would make a significant difference in their education.
Amina Abubakari, a student at Mrijo Juu Secondary School, said some girls had previously missed classes because they could not afford sanitary pads.
"Sometimes our fellow students stayed at home because they did not have sanitary pads. This support will help us attend all our lessons and continue pursuing our educational goals," she said.
Another student, Scholastica Andrea, said the programme had not only provided essential supplies but also increased awareness about menstrual hygiene.
"We feel valued and motivated to continue studying hard. We now believe nothing should stand in the way of achieving our educational ambitions," she said.
According to figures shared during the event, an estimated 16.8 percent of girls in Tanzania miss school during menstruation due to lack of menstrual hygiene products, stigma and inadequate sanitation facilities, causing many to lose between three and four school days every month.
The initiative forms part of TotalEnergies and EACOP's broader corporate social investment strategy aimed at promoting inclusive education, improving community wellbeing and empowering young people through sustainable development programmes.
