Press Release
Menstrual Hygiene Day, 2015
We need everyone, everywhere, to speak out and listen up: Menstrual Health is a
matter of human rights!’’- Professor Chris Bobel,
There has been some progress made towards breaking the silence on menstruation, moving
it from the taboo that it is to the public sphere. In Uganda the Ministry of Education, Science,
Technology and Sports has acknowledged how important this is to the equitable access of
education with the Permanent Secretary sending out a circular in support of this. To further
strengthen the response mechanism to this issue, a Menstrual Hygiene Charter has been
developed.
In 2014, the United Nations declared May 28 of every year as Menstrual Hygiene Day in
recognition of the woes girls and women experience during menstruation. This was a
reaffirmation of the world’s commitment to create more befitting living conditions for girls
and women. Uganda commemorated the first Menstrual Hygiene Day in 2014 and in August
of the same year held the first International Menstrual Hygiene Management Conference in
Kampala.
Uganda is therefore excited to join the rest of the world in marking the second menstrual
hygiene day on the 28th May 2015 with the theme ‘Act on menstruation without
hesitation’. The ministries of Education, Science, Technology and Sports as well as Health,
Water and Environment and Gender will be joined by NGOs, donors and students to mark
this important day in increasing attention to menstrual issues.
The event will take place on the 28th May. The key activities will include:

An advocacy walk (starting point to be confirmed, we will start at 08.00 AM and walk
up to Parliament). Chief Walker will be Honourable Sarah Opendi.

Signing of the Menstrual Hygiene Management Charter at Parliament, with Speaker
of Parliament Hon. Kadaga.

Press conference at Parliament after the signing of the MHM Charter.

Event at National Theatre, starting at 2 PM with exhibitions, creative expressions, and
performances by Sandra Suubi, Uganda’s Airtel Trace Star up to 5 PM.
Contact person: Helen Walker – AFRIpads - 0787471191