Narrated by Ali Kuresh, 2019
Anab Abdullah, an 18-year-old student from Dolo Ado in the Liben Zone of the Somali Region, faced significant challenges during her schooling due to a lack of menstrual hygiene management resources. After completing primary school in Haji Ali Kabale, she moved to Dolo Ado to pursue secondary education. However, the transition to secondary school was not without its obstacles, primarily linked to menstrual health.
The Challenges
As a young girl, Anab struggled to manage menstruation during her school years, which often led to her missing classes. The major challenges she faced included:
- Absenteeism During Menstruation: Anab would frequently stay home from school during her menstrual cycle, leading to a significant gap in her academic performance and progress.
- Health Problems: Lacking proper menstrual hygiene products, Anab used old cloths, which led to health issues such as kidney and back pain. The lack of appropriate resources took a toll on her physical well-being.
- Lack of Knowledge: There was limited awareness in the community about proper menstrual hygiene practices, including safe disposal and reuse of cloths. This lack of knowledge further aggravated the health risks associated with poor menstrual hygiene.
The Solution
Anab’s life took a positive turn when she received a complete dignity kit through a WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) project, funded by the European Union (EU) in Dolo Ado. The dignity kit contained essential menstrual hygiene products such as sanitary pads, soap, and underwear, which were provided to 100 female students, including Anab.
This intervention was a change for Anab, as it equipped her with the resources needed to manage her menstruation in a safe and hygienic manner, enabling her to attend school regularly and maintain better health.
The Positive Changes
With access to appropriate menstrual hygiene products, Anab experienced several positive changes in her life:
- Improved School Attendance: Anab no longer had to miss school during her menstrual cycle, which allowed her to stay on track academically. She could participate in lessons and engage fully in her education.
- Better Health: The health issues she had been experiencing, such as kidney and back pain, significantly reduced. The sanitary products provided by the dignity kit were a much healthier alternative to the old cloths she had been using.
- Increased Awareness: Anab’s newfound knowledge of menstrual hygiene did not stop with her own improvement. She took the initiative to share what she had learned with her classmates, helping to raise awareness and improve school attendance for other girls as well.
Conclusion
Anab Abdullah’s story is a testament to the profound impact that access to menstrual hygiene products can have on a girl’s education, health, and overall well-being. Thanks to the European Union’s support through the WASH project, Anab not only overcame the challenges of menstruation but also became an advocate for menstrual health in her school. Her journey highlights the importance of ensuring that all girls have the resources and knowledge they need to manage their menstruation with dignity and continue their education without interruption.