education 20 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Menstrual Hygiene Woes Force Rukungiri Girls Out of School, Study Reveals
A recent study indicates that poor menstrual hygiene is a significant factor causing girls in Rukungiri district to miss substantial learning days, leading to absenteeism and potential dropout. Teachers and local leaders confirm the impact on academic performance and school retention. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/poor-menstrual-hygiene-forcing-rukungiri-girls-out-of-school-study-5503056
Girls in Rukungiri district are losing valuable education time due to inadequate menstrual hygiene practices, according to a new study by the Turinawe Ingrid Kamateneti (TIK) Foundation. The research highlights that adolescent girls miss an average of four school days each menstrual cycle, contributing to a cumulative loss of learning. This issue is identified as a primary driver of school dropout and underperformance among girls in the Kigezi sub-region.
Ingrid Turinawe, director of the TIK Foundation, stated that the problem is exacerbated by stigma and the unpredictable nature of menstrual cycles, which often coincide with critical academic periods like examinations. The situation is particularly dire for girls from impoverished backgrounds and those attending rural schools, underscoring the need for broader recognition of menstrual health as an educational barrier.
Educational professionals on the ground corroborate these findings. Teachers report persistent absenteeism and subsequent poor performance among female students. Embarrassment, often stemming from using makeshift menstrual materials like old cloths and being noticed by peers, pushes many girls to abandon their education.
Local authorities in Rukungiri acknowledge the severity of the issue. The District Chairperson has called for a strategic intervention involving the provision of sanitary pads and enhanced sensitization campaigns to combat stigma. While the district education office has distributed pads, resource limitations hinder sustainability. The national promise of free sanitary pads for all schoolgirls, made in 2015, remains unfulfilled, leaving many girls vulnerable.
Without consistent access to sanitary products and comprehensive menstrual health education, girls in Rukungiri are at a high risk of falling behind academically and dropping out of school permanently. The study’s findings call for urgent and sustained support to ensure menstrual dignity and educational continuity for all girls.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)