Training of Trainers, Menstrual health for schools – Buikwe District Model

In January this year, 34 women participated in a 3-day WoMena workshop to become trainers in menstrual health and management, as part of the component on menstrual health WoMena implements in the Buikwe District Fishing Community Development Programme, supported by the Icelandic official international development assistance ICEIDA. The women are teachers from 4 programme secondary schools, and female councillors, all working in Buikwe district in Uganda.

Training participant gives a demonstration

WoMena’s awesome trainers Shamirah and Priscilla took the participants through sessions such as puberty and what happens in the male and female body, how to track your menstrual cycle, how to use a menstrual cup and reusable pads, and how to deliver a training on these subjects in an engaging way to adolescent girls and boys.

The participants all received a menstrual kit, which consists of a Ruby Cup menstrual cup including a user guide and a washable storage bag; one AFRIpads Deluxe kit including 3 Maxi pads, a Super Maxi pad and a washable storage bag; a menstrual health training handbook; a menstrual calendar, one notebook; one pen; and a t-shirt and fabric bag to create awareness and openness about menstruation and the intervention to the wider community. WoMena acknowledges different preferences in methods and supports women’s free choice when it comes to managing their menstruation.

Training of Trainers menstrual kit

Throughout the workshop, there was a strong participatory focus with several interactive demonstrations, in order to prepare the participants for conducting trainings themselves. And these women will for sure be awesome trainers themselves!

Participant demonstrates

Priscilla training

Over the next couple of months the new trainers will be educating 1500 girls about menstrual health, and the boys in their classes will also participate in many of the sessions. It is an important aspect of WoMena’s approach to also include boys and men, in order for them to understand and be more supportive of girls and menstruation.

Ask me about menstruation today!