UNFPA, Diamond Trust Bank boost menstrual hygiene

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has partnered with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) to tackle school absenteeism and enhance menstrual hygiene education for young girls in Uganda’s marginalized communities.

This collaboration not only addresses immediate challenges but also ensures that integrated sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender-based violence (GBV) services are accessible and responsive to the needs of young people across the country.

Central to this partnership is the Strengthening Adolescents and Youth (SAY) Empowerment and Rights Programme, aimed at empowering vulnerable schoolgirls by providing essential menstrual hygiene products and education.

DTB has committed $106,458 to this initiative, which will directly benefit 10,000 schoolgirls.

These girls will receive reusable sanitary pads, pairs of underwear, backpacks, and hygiene education booklets in three languages.

The reusable sanitary towels, supplied by AFRIpads Uganda, have a lifespan of up to two years, providing a sustainable solution to menstrual hygiene challenges.

Gift Malunga, UNFPA's Country Representative, highlighted the impact of the partnership.

"It is a pleasure for DTB and UNFPA to have this partnership as it will benefit our young people in Uganda," Malunga said.

"This partnership underscores the importance of improving the menstrual hygiene situation among vulnerable schoolgirls in Uganda’s marginalised areas."

The SAY Programme, a four-year initiative launched by the Danish government in collaboration with UNFPA, focuses on enhancing access to and utilization of SRHR and SGBV information and services for young people aged 10-24 in refugee settlements and host communities.

Running from January 2024 to December 2027, the program has a budget allocation of 1 million Danish Krone (Shs55 billion). I

t employs an evidence-based approach to creating demand, strengthening service delivery, and fortifying the enabling environment at both community and district levels.

Through the partnership with DTB, the SAY Programme aims to reduce school absenteeism during menstruation and improve reproductive health and menstrual hygiene knowledge among young girls.

Ms Mbabazi Emejeit, DTB’s executive director, emphasized the bank’s commitment to social development.

“Our sustainability agenda focuses on creating environments and communities where social development is achieved for all while protecting social resources," she said.

"Through such partnerships, we intend to reach 10,000 vulnerable girls through our Achieve More Girl initiatives, aimed at keeping the girl-child in school as she prepares for social development goals in adulthood.”

Ms. Mbabazi also outlined DTB’s broader sustainability strategy: “As part of our commitment to sustainability, this initiative is 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 reiterated DTB’s dedication to creating long-term value for communities and the environment.

“From our ambitious goal to achieve carbon neutrality in our 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.

This commitment underscores every aspect of our operations as we strive to lead the way in responsible banking and societal impact.”