The Transformative Power of Mentorship in the Menstrual Journey of Rural Girls

For many teenage girls, menstruation begins as a confusing, sometimes scary experience. Without the right information and emotional support, what should be a natural biological process often becomes a source of fear, shame, and isolation. This is why mentorship is important, not just as guidance but as empowerment and for creating a social support group.

At Undugu Empowerment Programs, we believe that every girl child deserves to have access to sanitary products and as safe space to talk, learn and ask questions about menstrual health management. This is why menstrual health hygiene mentorship is the heart of our work.

Why Mentorship is important.

Mentorship provides a unique avenue for knowledge transfer and support, making it a powerful tool to address the menstrual challenges faced by young girls. Through mentorship, experienced women can provide guidance, share personal experiences, and clarify doubts regarding menstruation. This relationship not only fosters a safe space for discussion but also helps to dismantle pre-existing cultural taboos around menstrual health. Mentors can play a pivotal role in ensuring that girls are better equipped to manage their menstrual health and understand it as a normal part of life.

Real impactful stories.

Mentorship has supported teenage girls to gain confidence, for example take a look at the story of Akinyi,A 14 year old from a village in rural area who would always miss school during her periods because she was too embarrassed to interact with others and even talk about periods. After attending our Sista+ plus mentorship program, she became more aware that there is no shame in having your periods and even began talking about it and even sharing with others what she learnt.

“I used to avoid school during my period days,” she says. “Now I help other girls understand that there is nothing to be ashamed of.”

Stories like Akinyi's remind us that a confident girl becomes a confident woman and a that confidence always begins with someone believing in her.

Another beautiful outcome of our menstrual hygiene mentorship program is the community it creates. Girls support one another. Older women become sources of wisdom. Taboos begin to fade, and conversations around periods shift from shameful whispers to empowered dialogues.