Absa Bank and Afripads Gift Girls Reusable Pads

Absa Bank Uganda and Afripads Support Girls’ Education with 20 Million Shilling Reusable Sanitary Pad Donation

Mukono High School, among the recipients of this initiative, witnessed the donation of reusable sanitary pads aimed at eliminating menstrual barriers for girls.

Michelle Tjeenk Willink, AFRIpads’ Head of Partnerships and Communications, emphasized that despite tax waivers on raw materials for sanitary pads, many Ugandan women still can’t access them. This donation addresses that issue.

Michelle pointed out the impact of societal taboos on menstrual care conversations, leading to girls missing school and work due to lacking supplies. The donation of over 1,200 reusable sanitary pad kits to Mukono High School is intended to empower girls’ education.

She highlighted the importance of consistent, quality menstrual products for girls’ school attendance and confidence.

Helen Nangonzi Basuuta, Absa Bank Uganda’s Marketing and Customer Experience Director, highlighted that the donation stemmed from girls missing school due to inadequate menstrual hygiene. It’s part of a 200 million Ugandan shilling contribution raised from the Absa 7 Hills Run in May, dedicated to supporting girls’ education.

The donated reusable menstrual pads provide 12 months of use for the learners.

The government’s move to waive excise duty on sanitary pad raw materials, approved by Parliament’s Finance Committee, aims to lower pad costs, making them more affordable.

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