Kilombero District Commissioner Dr Dunstan Kyobya will be the guest of honour at the inaugural “Hike for a Girl Child” event, an initiative aimed at raising awareness on menstrual health and tackling stigma that continues to affect many girls across Tanzania.
The event will take place on August 2, 2026, at the Udzungwa Mountains National Park in Morogoro Region, bringing together government leaders, health professionals, students, conservation stakeholders and community members.
Organised by The Brighter Binti Foundation, the campaign seeks to use outdoor tourism and community engagement as platforms for promoting discussions on safe menstrual health management and girls’ wellbeing.
As part of the programme, Dr Kyobya is expected to officially inaugurate a tourism bridge along the Sonjo Route before joining participants in a hike to the Sanje Waterfalls, one of the park’s key tourist attractions.
Organisers say the event is designed not only to promote awareness of menstrual health challenges but also to encourage broader community participation in supporting girls’ education, dignity and health.
Activities will continue later in the day at Sanje Secondary School, where participants will attend presentations on menstrual health management, family life education, mental health and psychosocial wellbeing.
The programme will also include a menstrual health clinic for students, teachers and community members, exhibitions of menstrual hygiene products and educational materials, as well as the distribution of sanitary pads to girls from Sanje Secondary School and neighbouring schools around the Udzungwa area.
Speaking ahead of the event, organisers said community understanding remains critical in addressing misconceptions and stigma surrounding menstruation.
“Meaningful change begins when communities are equipped with the right information and are willing to challenge harmful stereotypes. This hike is more than a recreational activity; it is an opportunity to advocate for the rights, health and dignity of the girl child,” the organisers said.
The foundation noted that improving menstrual health awareness can help reduce school absenteeism among girls while fostering a more supportive environment for their academic and personal development.
The organisers expressed gratitude to various partners supporting the initiative, including the Government of Tanzania, Kilombero District Council, the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, the Ministry of Health and several civil society organisations and private-sector stakeholders.
The event is expected to highlight the intersection between community health, education and sustainable tourism while drawing attention to the importance of ensuring that no girl is left behind because of menstrual health challenges.
