Empowering Adolescents Through Menstrual Health and Peer Support

Access to accurate information, practical skills, and supportive environments remains critical to the wellbeing and development of adolescents, particularly girls. In many communities, menstrual health challenges, stigma, and limited knowledge of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) continue to undermine school attendance, self-esteem, and informed decision-making. In response to these challenges, a targeted adolescent empowerment activity was implemented by Nascent RDO-U in partnership with ICDI (International Child Development Initiatives) to strengthen menstrual health management and peer support systems among young people and their caregivers.

A total of 140 adolescents and 100 caregivers were trained in reusable sanitary pad-making, equipping girls with practical skills to manage menstruation safely, affordably, and with dignity. Through hands-on sessions, participants learned how to make, use, and care for reusable pads using locally available materials. As a result, trained girls reported increased confidence in managing their menstruation, improved personal hygiene practices, and greater consistency in school attendance.

Menstrual health remains a significant barrier to education for many girls. According to UNICEF, an estimated 1 in 10 adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa misses school during menstruation, often due to lack of access to sanitary products, water, and sanitation facilities, or fear of stigma. By promoting reusable pads, the activity addressed both affordability and sustainability, reducing reliance on disposable products and enabling girls to manage their periods discreetly and reliably.

Importantly, the intervention extended beyond adolescents to include caregivers. Engaging parents and guardians helped break long-standing taboos around menstruation and created a more supportive home environment where girls can discuss menstrual and reproductive health issues openly. Caregivers gained a better understanding of adolescent needs, enabling them to provide guidance, encouragement, and practical support.

In addition to menstrual health training, six peer support groups were established to serve as safe spaces for mentorship, dialogue, and life skills development. These groups provide adolescents with structured platforms to discuss critical SRHR issues such as early pregnancy, child marriage, and adolescent health risks, while also reinforcing positive values, self-confidence, and goal setting.

Peer support plays a crucial role during adolescence, a stage marked by rapid physical, emotional, and social change. Evidence shows that adolescents are more likely to absorb and act on information when it is shared in safe, peer-led environments. Through the peer groups, participants are encouraged to share experiences, support one another, and make informed decisions about their health and education. Trained adolescents are also passing on knowledge to their peers, multiplying the impact of the intervention within the wider community.

Early pregnancy and child marriage remain persistent challenges in many settings. The World Health Organization reports that adolescent pregnancy is a leading cause of school dropout among girls, often limiting future economic opportunities and increasing health risks. By combining menstrual health management with SRHR education and life skills, the activity addressed both practical and structural barriers to adolescent wellbeing.

Overall, the initiative has contributed to improved menstrual hygiene management, strengthened peer networks, and enhanced awareness of adolescent sexual and reproductive health rights. By empowering girls with skills, knowledge, and supportive spaces, the activity supports their ability to stay in school, protect their health, and make informed choices about their futures.

Such integrated approaches demonstrate that investing in adolescents, alongside their caregivers, creates lasting benefits not only for individuals, but also for families and communities working towards healthier, more equitable development.

This intervention is part of a project titled "Foundations for the future: A strong start for every child from birth to school age" which is funded by Stichting Dioraphte, Weeshuis der Doopsgezinden in Haarlem and other donors.

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