In Uganda girls and young women face a significant barrier to their education and well-being because they are not able to afford safe menstrual hygiene products.
With CDN$5,765 from the Rotary Club of Burnaby Metrotown plus CDN$4,500 from a Rotary District 5040 Grant from The Rotary Foundation, the Club joined the Rotary Club of Kampala Kawempe in producing and distributing 1,585 reusable sanitary pad kits at three rural schools and one urban school.
The kits distributed through the CDN$7,265 project helped vulnerable school-age girls, girls with disabilities, young single mothers, and female teachers manage menstruation safely and with dignity. Each kit included reusable pads, underwear, soap, and a storage bag, giving beneficiaries practical support for at least six months.
The project helped reduce school absenteeism, since many girls had previously missed several days of school each month during menstruation. It also improved hygiene and health, reduced reliance on unsafe improvised materials, strengthened self-confidence, and lowered vulnerability to exploitation.
 |  |
 |  |
Through training in reusable pad production, girls and young mothers also gained practical skills that can support long-term self-reliance and possible income generation.
The Rotary Club of Kampala Kawempe led the local implementation, including community needs assessments, beneficiary selection, training, kit production, hygiene education, and distribution. 38 Rotarians and Rotaractors in Kampala also organized recipients of the kits and delivered peer-level education.
The Rotary Club of Burnaby Metrotown served as the international cooperating partner and primary funder, contributing CAD $4,500 for 62% total project budget.
 |  |
| |
Together, the Rotary partner clubs combined funding, local knowledge, hands-on service, and international collaboration to deliver a project that advanced health, dignity, education, gender equity, and community development.