Niger girls learn about menstruation to stay in school, tackle stigma

In an effort to combat cultural stigma, misinformation and harmful behaviors, several groups and individuals are emerging to teach women about sexual health, pleasure and overall wellness, particularly in rural areas where information is sparse.

be artsy's Rato Baltin project uses culturally relevant education, menstrual kit distribution, and engages religious leaders to challenge discriminatory practices against those who menstruate. Since launching in 2017, the group has reached 80,000 people and distributed over 5,500 menstrual cups, while simultaneously helping shift perspectives around menstruating.

The Advocacy for Human Value Foundation works to protect vulnerable communities — like women and children — in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps due to the Boko Haram crises. The Foundation has addressed fundamental community needs by increasing access to water and hygiene facilities, healthcare services, educational opportunities, safety practices and has even partnered with entrepreneurs to empower women with profitable skills and small grants to help make them more independent.

The Centre for Girls Education in Zaria City, Nigeria provides educational programs for female students across age groups and stages of life, from preschool initiatives centered around the Montessori philosophy to programs for married adolescents. The organization has served more than 7,000 girls to date and encourages older girls and past participants to share their perspectives and experiences with younger students through "cascading mentorship."

One Voice Initiative for Women and Children Emancipation and Reaching Minds Foundation are two organizations that have distributed thousands of reusable pad kits to school girls and women. The organizations also train people on how to make their own reusable pads from environmentally friendly fabrics and use them correctly.

The Women Centre for Continuing Education provides adult education and vocational training to women who have not completed their schooling, often because of economic constraints and cultural norms that prioritize education for boys more than girls. The courses are offered at no cost, though students must still pay for transportation, supplies, and other expenses.

CARE Schools are free, half-public, half-private institutions that provide lessons in both Urdu and English. The schools teach both boys and girls, sometimes in co-ed classes, to promote gender equality and provide girls with equal opportunities in their education and increase their job prospects.

Schools in Adamawa State are increasing the number of female teachers, which is inherently increasing the number of female students attending school. Previously, over 50% of girls in the area had not been in school, or dropped out, but with the increase of female teachers, the number of girls in school has dramatically increased.

The Kanyashree Prakalpa conditional cash transfer scheme helps support economically marginalized unmarried girls between the ages of 13 and 18 so they can stay in school and delay child marriage. Since launching, the scheme has helped increase enrollment in school and reduce the rate of child marriage in the region.

Amidst Taliban restrictions on girls’ education, several people are looking for alternative options to further their education. One solution includes the University of the People, a free, online U.S.-accredited university. The virtual university helps make education more accessible and currently has 100,000 participating students worldwide.