RUKIGA, UGANDA – Rukiga Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Limited (SACCO) has rolled out the distribution of free sanitary towels to female students in secondary schools across all its branches.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The exercise, which commenced at St. Aloysius Girls’ Secondary School in Kitanga, is a key component of the SACCO’s “Women Empowerment for Social Transformation” program.
The initiative is a strategic extension of the SACCO’s broader mission, demonstrating a practical commitment to educating and empowering women in financial management.
During the distribution, Kellen Baziira, a Rukiga SACCO board member, encouraged the students to prioritize good hygiene both at school and at home.
She emphasized that such discipline is fundamental in shaping them into responsible individuals and capable future citizens who can actively contribute to their communities.
Kellen clarified that the initiative’s core objective is to tackle a key barrier to education by empowering girls to remain in school during their menstrual periods.
“We are here to give out sanitary pads, but our goal is bigger: we want to give you the power to control your education and your future. Learning good hygiene habits at school and at home is the first step to becoming the responsible citizens and future leaders our community needs,” Kellen stated.
The Deputy Head Teacher, Mr. Muhammad Enock, thanked the SACCO for the initiative, confirming that the sanitary pads will be of vital importance to the students’ well-being and consistent academic attendance.
He urged the institution to continue with such programs, highlighting their crucial role not only in keeping girls in school but also in securing their long-term educational success.
Speaking on behalf of her peers, the School’s Education Minister, Ankunda Clare, explained that a common challenge is students’ inability to concentrate in class when they lack sanitary pads during their menstrual periods.
Clara acknowledged that the school often assists students in need and extended her appreciation to Rukiga SACCO for its crucial support.
“This support addresses a real crisis we face. Many students simply cannot focus on their studies during their periods without sanitary pads. We are deeply grateful to Rukiga SACCO for this vital assistance, which complements the school’s own efforts and allows us to fully participate in class,” Clara noted.
The women’s mentorship and sanitary pads program is a key part of Rukiga SACCO’s broader portfolio of community-focused initiatives designed to foster social and economic empowerment.
Other programs include the annual distribution of Christmas hampers to clients, visits with gifts to elderly members, and rewards for the institution’s best-performing clients, all underscoring its commitment to holistic member empowerment.
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