DODOMA: IN a bid to strengthen girls’ education and ensure menstrual challenges do not stand in the way of their dreams, TotalEnergies Marketing Tanzania Limited, in partnership with EACOP, has distributed reusable sanitary pads to more than 5,000 primary and secondary schoolgirls across Dodoma, Manyara, Njombe, Tabora and Tanga regions.
The initiative comes amid global statistics showing that menstruating girls miss an average of two to five school days every month due to various challenges, including lack of sanitary products ,translating into a significant loss of learning time annually.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at Mrijo Juu Secondary School in Chemba District, Dodoma Region, TotalEnergies Marketing Tanzania’s Legal and Corporate Affairs Director, Ms Getrude Mpangile, said the distribution was carried out under the “Dignity Hamper – Keep a Girl in School” programme.
She noted that more than 40,000 sanitary pads have been provided alongside other essential items, including 20,000 pairs of underwear, 2,000 kilogrammes of laundry soap, 5,000 buckets and 25,000 clothes pegs.
“Education is the foundation of a strong society, and no girl should miss school because of menstrual challenges,” she said, adding that the programme aims to remove barriers that hinder girls from attending school confidently and consistently.
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EACOP Tanzania Corporate Affairs Director, Mr Geofrey Mponda, said investing in young people is an investment in the nation’s future, noting that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to delivering lasting social impact.
He added that the programme, launched earlier this year, seeks to improve menstrual hygiene, boost school attendance and create a supportive learning environment for girls.
Chemba District Council representative, Ms Regina Bahaye, commended the support, saying it will help increase attendance among schoolgirls and motivate them to pursue their academic goals.