Tackle trains 40 female schoolteachers on menstrual health and hygiene through football in Greater Hoima

Name of Organisation: Tackle

Last week, 40 female teachers from Hoima and Kikuube Districts, including Hoima City completed a five-day training aimed at promoting menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) using the power of football. The programme stands to address menstrual related challenges like absenteeism and stigma, especially among girls from underprivileged backgrounds.

These trained coaches will return to their schools and pass on menstrual health knowledge to their students using football drills to spark open, stigma-free conversations. Our football model is effective because it engages girls on sensitive topics like menstrual and sexual health; girls learn how to make low-cost reusable pads using cloth and access safe, long-term solutions like menstrual cups, which can last up to 10 years.

Chrispus Muganyizi a Programme Coordinator at Tackle mentions “Most parents can’t afford to buy sanitary pads every month; our programme not only provides free reusable pads and menstrual cups but also teaches the AGYW how to make reusable sanitary pads from available materials.”

Mr Phillip Tibaingana a headteacher at St Aloysious is quoted “This goes beyond what Senior Women Teachers do. Tackle is using sports to empower teachers, students, and the wider community.” Tackle provides menstrual hygiene products and promotes safer, more hygienic practices; a shift for girls who previously relied on unsafe alternatives like old mattress sponges.

The programme also encourages schools to improve access to clean water, provide emergency sanitary products, and private washrooms, ensuring girls can manage their periods with dignity.