Uganda
The Government of Uganda recognizes menstrual health and hygiene as a very critical issue that limits the participation of women and girls in education and development processes. It also remains a challenge faced by adolescent girls in Uganda, thus contributing to the prevalence of urogenital infections and irritation of the skin that may cause discomfort and can possibly result in dermatitis, transactional sex, and related consequences. Menstruation and menstrual practices are still disquieted by taboos and socio-cultural restrictions resulting in adolescent girls remaining ignorant of hygienic health practices, which sometimes result in adverse health outcomes.
Empowerment Through Action , together with the Rise Up Together initiative, focus on empowering girls in school by providing training on menstrual health and hygiene. Additionally, we equip them with skills to create eco-friendly reusable sanitary pads, promoting sustainable and accessible menstrual hygiene solutions.
Zambia
In Zambia, persons with disabilities comprise nearly 11% of the population. Facing discrimination and lack of opportunity, many Zambians with disabilities are systematically excluded from access to services and places, legal aid, healthcare, and more. Often, these disparities are sharper in rural settings with a greater lack of infrastructure, investments, and institutional support. Empowerment Through Action is collaborating with Expanding Ambitions, a non-governmental community service organisation dedicated to supporting and enhancing the lives of children and young people with disabilities, albinism, and poverty. Through our partnership, we have started conducting community sensitisation about the importance of eye care and eye health, empowering teachers, rural health workers, and parents with knowledge in primary eye care through capacity-building workshops and community outreach activities in central Lusaka, northern and the Copperbelt provinces in Zambia.
