Equipping 448 Teachers in Zanzibar to Champion Menstrual Health & Hygiene Education

As human beings, a significant portion of our formative years is divided between home and school. During the day, we spend most of our time at school, while in the evenings we are with our families. In Zanzibar, children also have a similar routine. They spend their days at school and then attend madrasah before returning home in the evening. Consequently, a typical Zanzibari child has limited time to spend with their parents due to their busy schedule at school and madrasah.

In this context, teachers play a vital role in a child's life. They are often regarded as second parents because they contribute not only to a child's intellectual development but also nurture them emotionally, socially, spiritually, and physically.

Primary school teachers from the urban area of Unguja Island

A significant milestone has been achieved in Zanzibar towards promoting a safe and healthy menstrual period for young girls. In November last year, through a collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training and UNICEF, we successfully educated 448 primary and secondary teachers in Zanzibar and Pemba on menstrual health and hygiene over the course of four consecutive days. This knowledge will be directly transferred to both boys and girls at school.

For centuries, young girls have faced challenges during their menstrual period due to a lack of resources and information. During our workshop, which was led by Dr. Radhia and registered nurse-midwife Yusra, common misconceptions surrounding menstruation were debunked. These misconceptions have created discrimination against young girls and women who are on their periods. For example, one misconception suggests that women should not go near gardens during their periods as they can dry up the vegetables if touched. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this belief. Therefore, teachers were enlightened on how these misconceptions can shape attitudes towards menstrual cycles and overall health.

Primary school teachers discussing on how they can spearhead menstrual health in schools.

WAJAMAMA has a clear goal: to increase attendance, improve academic outcomes, and empower girls to shape a brighter future. One of the ways we achieve this is by imparting knowledge to teachers. It's not just about teaching; it's also about fulfilling our social commitment, as educators play various roles in students' lives.

Providing teachers with information about menstrual health is an essential step in combating period poverty. The teachers we trained represent 21% of all schools in the archipelago, so their involvement lays the foundation for a more caring, knowledgeable, and inclusive world. This means ensuring that teachers have the necessary resources to mentor and assist students in all aspects of their lives is crucial.

By equipping teachers with this knowledge, we are taking significant strides towards achieving our goals of increasing attendance, enhancing academic outcomes, and empowering girls. We believe that by empowering educators with the tools they need, students can confidently manage their educational journey while maintaining dignity. Our ultimate aim is to create a better future for everyone involved.

A representative from UNICEF, Ms. YeJin Cho giving a word of thanks to the amazing work of teachers in schools.

Undoubtedly, these collaborative workshops have shed light on some crucial issues that every individual must address in ensuring a safe and healthy menstrual period for each girl. Additionally, they have equipped teachers in Pemba and Unguja with the skills to effectively address menstrual health in the classroom. As the workshop came to a close, teachers provided their recommendations, and three recommendations stood out: Firstly, there should be an involvement of men and young boys in menstrual education to prevent perpetrators of sexual or gender-based abuse. Secondly, as a community, we need to normalize menstrual cycles so that young girls feel comfortable asking questions about their menstrual health. Lastly, there is a need for collaborative approaches between the government and other sectors to raise awareness about various health-related matters within the community.

However, this collaborative effort holds immense importance for us as we work alongside our partners to create a sustainable future where girls can overcome barriers, pursue education, and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world. The tireless efforts made by UNICEF and the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training in promoting girls' education and menstrual health play a significant role in shaping such a sustainable future where girls are empowered.