Poor Menstrual Health Management is regarded as one of the major reasons for irregular school attendance and later dropout among girls. In fact, it is not by coincidence that the dropout rates among girls are higher in upper primary and high school. In its 2005 report on hygiene and sanitation in schools, the World Bank noted that ‘if a girl misses 4 days of school every 4 weeks due to her period, she will miss 10-20% of her school days’; yet many girls miss at least 5 days every month during their menstruation period.

Disposable Sanitary pads, the common savior in such a situation cost more than 2,500 UGX despite the waiver of VAT on imported pads. However, in Uganda this is far much higher than what an average family can afford. Many girls, lacking access and/or unable to afford these materials, have no option but to either leave school or resort to unhygienic and uncomfortable alternatives.