Sanitary Pads

Empowering Girls through Access to Sanitary Pads

At Education First, we are dedicated to addressing barriers that prevent girls from accessing education and living with dignity. Our Sanitary Pads Project is one such initiative, born out of a recognition of the challenges faced by young girls in rural and economically disadvantaged schools in Fiji. Limited access to menstrual hygiene products often leads to school absenteeism, jeopardizing their academic success and self-esteem.

Menstrual health is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, yet many girls face challenges due to stigma and a lack of resources, impacting their educational opportunities and self-confidence.  By providing sanitary pads to girls, this project aims to:

• To reduce school absenteeism caused by lack of access to menstrual products.
• Build confidence and empowerment by addressing menstrual health needs.
• Encourage awareness and conversations around menstrual health to break cultural stigma.

Pilot Program Success
In August 2023, we launched a pilot program distributing sanitary pads to 42 girls in Lomawai Primary School and Wai District School. The positive responses from schools affirmed the impact of this initiative, paving the way for it to become an annual program.

Growing Impact in 2024
Last year, we expanded the Sanitary Pads Project to include four schools: Lomawai Primary School, Namata Primary School, Wai District School, and Malamala Primary School. A total of 124 girls received a year’s supply of sanitary pads, allowing them to focus on their education and aspirations. Testimonials from Head Teachers highlighted significant reduction in absenteeism and the transformative effect this project has on young lives.

Looking Ahead

This is just the beginning. EFT aims to expand the Sanitary Pads Project by:

• Reaching more schools across rural and urban areas.
• Introducing sustainable menstrual products to promote environmental consciousness.

Join Us in Making a Difference

We know there is much more to be done. We invite you to support this ongoing initiative. By contributing, you help empower girls to stay in school, dream big, and build brighter futures. Your donation will directly impact their lives and open doors to opportunities they deserve.