Happy Period Project

Empowering young Girls on Menstrual Health and Sustainable Period Products

Shuffa Nassor – Tanzania, 2023

SHUFAA
NASSOR

“In the heart of Zanzibar, I faced a monthly challenge that cast a shadow over my dreams. Growing up in a humble family, I grappled with a recurring struggle familiar to many: the absence of menstrual products. Unable to afford the luxury of pads, I turned to torn schoolbook pages as a makeshift solution. The discomfort and health concern this makeshift approach caused weighed heavily on me, dimming my hopes for a better future. Yet, my spirit remained unbroken. I was determined to turn my adversity into a force for change. My unwavering resolve propelled me toward a path I knew could make a difference. With dreams of becoming a nurse, I envisioned a future where I could alleviate the struggles of young girls facing the same predicament.” – Shufaa Nassor

Menstrual health remains a pressing issue for many young girls in Tanzania, particularly in regions like Zanzibar, where access to sanitary products and proper menstrual hygiene education can be scarce. The Happy Period Project is an initiative aimed at addressing these challenges, empowering in-school girls with the knowledge and resources to manage their menstruation effectively and sustainably.

The Happy Period Project’s primary objective is to improve menstrual health and hygiene among young girls in Zanzibar. The seed grant they received from TTPF is helping them to reach this goal through

  • training girls to make reusable sanitary pads,
  • educating them about menstrual health,
  • promoting the use of reusable pads within their communities,
  • establishing Happy Period School Clubs for ongoing support, and ultimately decreasing school absenteeism due to menstrual hygiene challenges.

The Project’s efforts are concentrated at BUBUBU A primary school, where they organize workshops to teach girls how to craft reusable sanitary pads from locally available materials. These sessions are not just practical but also formative, as they encompass education on menstrual health and hygiene. The aim is to elucidate the benefits and proper maintenance of reusable pads, thus fostering a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective approach to menstrual management.

To ensure the project’s longevity and deepen its impact, the Happy Period School Clubs will be established. These clubs will act as a hub for continuous learning and support, providing resources, mentorship, and a platform for girls to share their experiences and knowledge. Activities within the clubs will include regular workshops for new students, peer-to-peer mentorship programs, fundraising events, community outreach campaigns, and collaborations with other clubs or organizations.

The beneficiaries of the Happy Period Project extend beyond the young girls at BUBUBU A primary school. Families, communities, and even the schools themselves stand to gain from the enhanced awareness and reduced school absenteeism that comes with improved menstrual health education.