Menstrual hygiene management helps girls stay in school

“French is my favourite class!” says Joie, 11, a Grade 6 student attending school in Maluku, Democratic Republic of the Congo. “It helps me read, write and understand.”

Like so many students her age, Joie’s school is the centre of her social life. “I like to play rope with my friends, especially at recess. I get a lot of inspiration from athletes, especially those I watch on TV, like runners.”

But it wasn’t always this way.

She recounts a time when her parents couldn’t manage the school fees for all three of their children, including Joie’s sister and brother. So they chose only her brother to continue his studies because he was the boy. “I thought that was unfair,” says Joie.

Today, thankfully, Joie attends school and is serious about her studies. Besides the academics, she and her classmates are learning how important it is to wash their hands and keep washrooms and water areas clean and sanitary. Through World Vision’s water, sanitation and hygiene program, she’s also learning about menstruation. She now understands what to expect during a monthly cycle, the importance of sanitary supplies and how to keep herself and her environment clean and safe.

“We’re sent to school to study, instead of staying at home. The program has helped change the way we think about menstrual hygiene management, which in the past was considered a taboo subject. Through this training, I understood that at a certain age all girls are supposed to see their menstrual period. I just have to apply what we learned at school and inform my mom, too.”

Joie shares that, thanks to World Vision, she sees many improvements in her community, including youth empowerment. “We children are also called to take part in sessions, and we’re also asked questions about whether we agree or not, and whether we can also say a few things. Before, we were told that children don’t talk in front of grown-ups.”

Today she has clear goals. “[I want] to finish high school and university and become a seamstress and shopkeeper. Studies, the support of my parents and prayer give me more hope for a better future,” she says. “I see many things changing in my life and I aspire to wonderful things for my future, for my friends and all the children in my village.”