Summary:

By alleviating the cost of menstrual products for 5,000 women and girls in Uganda, we aim to remove a significant barrier that impedes their daily lives, education access, and economic opportunities. Addressing period poverty is not just a matter of hygiene but a crucial step toward empowering these women and fostering economic resilience in their communities, aligning with Rotary 7 areas of focus and UN SDG's (Sustainable Development Goals). We will accomplish this through partnership with Ugandan Government orgs, NGO's, Ugandan and US Rotary clubs, US Rotary Districts, & Individual Contributions. Rotary clubs in California, Belgium, Kenya, Liberia and Ghana have expressed interest in creating a framework that can be replicated successfully to eradicate Period Poverty and we are answering that call. We would love to have your support as well! Let us know if you're interested in this type of grant for your club and we can help you get started. Global Grant Application # GG2570299

To view all the details and research behind this grant, we invite you to check out the Rotary Service Projects page here - Service Project Center

Community Assessment: How the project team learned about the community’s needs

The Rotary Clubs in D#9213 Uganda have been working on menstrual health and hygiene solutions for the last 10 years. Through this time, solutions such as single use items, reusable pads, and these menstrual cups have been explored and implemented to varying degrees of success. Through experience and community assessments these clubs and members of the community have reached the conclusion that each of these items has their place and that the menstrual cups are specifically what they need for this project. The Rotary clubs in Uganda surveyed their respective communities, collected the results and compiled these answers for an aggregate picture of their communities they serve and the most pressing needs related to hygiene and menstrual health.

Project Impact: How the project will help the community after the project ends

CouldYou?Cup menstrual cups are made of medical-grade silicone and designed to last for 10 years. Each recipient of the menstrual cup is educated on proper administration, care and maintenance of the device, and provided cotton carry storage bag. Maintenance of the cup includes rinsing, wiping, and sterilization by placing the cup in a container of boiling water before use with each menstruation cycle, with the benefit of using significantly less water than re-usable pads or repurposed clothes. After use, the cups are stored in the provided cotton bag. (Marginalized women are hired in each country to make these cotton storage bags.) There are multiple environmental impacts, including smaller carbon footprint of a cup versus plastic-based single use items, a significant reduction in waste related to single use products.

Sustainability: How the benefits of the project will continue afterward

Sustainability for this project comes in many forms. This project provides sustainable menstrual cups designed to last 10 years, reducing plastic waste and landfill contributions. The cups improve menstrual hygiene & health by offering a reliable, long-lasting solution. For school-aged girls, access to these cups helps maintain regular attendance, enhancing educational outcomes and future economic opportunities. By alleviating the cost of menstrual products, we support economic resilience. After 10 years, it’s projected that 70% of users will have the financial means to repurchase menstrual cups. 30% may struggle, reflecting the economic challenges and need for ongoing support. Through the community assessment Local Ugandan clubs have identified additional partners to explore continued expansion of the program. Additionally, this global grant helps to create a framework that can be used secure additional grants for broader impact.

Rotary Menstrual Cups for Uganda Global Grant

Rotary Empowering our Girls Global Grant: 5,000 Menstrual Cups in Uganda

Team Members