Breaking the Silence: Why Menstrual Stigma and Sexual Health Taboos Still Hinder Girls in Uganda

In Uganda and similar settings, menstruation remains deeply stigmatized—a silent force keeping many girls out of school, isolated, and vulnerable. Studies show that nearly a quarter of girls miss at least four school days per menstrual cycle due to lack of sanitary products or fear of humiliation. Many resort to makeshift cloth materials, which can lead to infections, absenteeism, and early dropouts. 

Even beyond menstruation, open dialogue about puberty, consent, contraception, and sexual health is rare. Cultural taboos and family silence keep most girls in the dark, leaving them susceptible to teenage pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and emotional trauma. Despite government policies that support sexuality education in theory, implementation remains uneven and often avoids key topics entirely. For many girls, the consequences are devastating.

Breaking this cycle means not only providing resources—but also creating safe spaces to talk, learn, and ask questions without shame. Initiatives like menstrual health education, paired with broader sexual health awareness and mentorship, build confidence and autonomy in young women. Addressing the stigma and filling the information gap isn’t only about improving hygiene—it’s about giving girls control over their bodies, their choices, and their futures.

Girls Arise Uganda continues to lead with purpose on menstrual health, encouraging deeper conversations that dismantle silence—and set girls on a path toward resilience and possibility.