KAMPALA– The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) have signed a partnership to reduce school absenteeism and improved menstrual hygiene education for young girls in Uganda’s marginalized communities. This partnership will also ensure integrated sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender-based violence (GBV) services are readily available and responsive to the needs of young people.
Through this partnership, DTB will further support the Strengthening Adolescents and Youth (SAY) Empowerment and Rights Programme, with a contribution worth US$ 106,458.
The contribution will enable 10,000 vulnerable schoolgirls have access to: – packets of reusable sanitary pads (School Girl Kit) consisting of 5 pads: 2 maxi, 2 mini, 1 super maxi, and 2 carrying pouches (one leak proof pouch for storing soiled pads); 10,000 pairs of underwear; 10,000 backpacks; hygiene education booklets (available in 3 languages). Reusable sanitary towels have a lifespan of up to two years. These have been supplied by AFRIpads Uganda. A company dedicated as thought leader and active contributor to advancing the menstrual movement worldwide.
The SAY Programme, launched last year by the Danish government in collaboration with UNFPA, is a four-year initiative running from January 2024 to December 2027 with a budget allocation of DKK 100,000,000 (approximately 55,000,000,000 UGX). It aims to enhance access to and utilization of SRHR and SGBV information and services among young people aged 10-24 in refugee settlements and host communities. The evidence-based approach focuses on creating demand, strengthening service delivery, and fortifying the enabling environment at community and district levels. SAY empowers young people to assert their SRHR rights, prevent SGBV, and enhance the availability and accessibility of youth-responsive SRHR/SGBV services.
The DTB/UNFPA partnership focuses on collaborating on health system transformations to enhance the health and well-being of women and girls, scaling up health innovations, developing innovative financing models for sustainable interventions, and conducting joint advocacy efforts to raise public awareness and visibility. Direct beneficiaries of this partnership will register reduced school absenteeism during the menstrual period and will have improved knowledge on reproductive health and menstrual hygiene.
“It is a pleasure for DTB and UNFPA to have this partnership as it will benefit our young people in Uganda,” said Gift Malunga, Country Representative of UNFPA. “This partnership underscores the importance of improving the menstrual hygiene situation among vulnerable schoolgirls in Uganda’s marginalized areas.”
The partnership between UNFPA and DTB not only addresses immediate needs but also lays the foundation for sustainable health improvements and gender equality, ultimately contributing to the overall development and empowerment of Uganda’s youth.
“Our sustainability agenda looks at creating an environment and communities where social development is obtained by all as we protect the social resources,” says Ms. Mbabazi Emejeit, DTB’s Executive Director
“Through such partnerships, we intend to reach 10,000 vulnerable girls through our Achieve More Girl initiatives intended to sustain the girl-child in school as she prepares for social development goals in adulthood,” Ms. Mbabazi Emejeit adds.
“As part of our unwavering commitment to sustainability, this initiative is just one of many under DTB’s comprehensive Sustainability and Citizenship Master Plan. Our strategy is built on six key pillars: Climate Action and Net Zero Strategy, Sustainable Financing, Responsible Supply Chain, Partnerships, Employee Well-being and Development, and Citizenship,” she adds.
“From our ambitious goal to Achieve carbon neutrality in own operations by 2030, to our continuous efforts in offering green financial products that support a low-carbon economy, DTB is dedicated to creating long-term value for our communities and the environment.
