Home Health She Deserves Tackles Menstrual Absenteeism in Uganda
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She Deserves Tackles Menstrual Absenteeism in Uganda

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Uganda’s Jackline Birungi was only 13 when the realities of menstrual poverty disrupted her education and nearly claimed her life. Years later, as a co-founder of She Deserves Uganda, she has turned her pain into a purpose-driven mission to empower millions of girls and women across Uganda.

“My journey began with a profound desire to address menstrual poverty after witnessing its devastating effects on girls’ education and self-esteem in my community,” Jackline explained.

A social entrepreneur with a background in social work and certifications in social innovation and entrepreneurship, Jackline has dedicated her life to bridging the gap in menstrual health access. Her efforts have garnered recognition, including the National Girl Champion Award 2024 (SRHR Category), and fellowships from Anzisha (2024) and Savvy (2023). But these accolades are secondary to her mission.

A Personal Catalyst for Change

Her inspiration stems from her own struggles. “At the age of 13, my menstrual journey began, and with it came immense challenges,” she recounted. Her aunt, who raised her, struggled to afford sanitary pads, while debilitating menstrual pain made it nearly impossible for Jackline to focus in school.

“I resorted to excessive painkillers, unaware of the damage I was causing to my internal organs,” she recalls. The consequences were dire: heart complications that required surgery and a year away from school and public life. Isolated and hopeless, she nearly lost her life and her sense of purpose.

A turning point came when she joined Jangu International, a social innovation hub. “Through mentorship and coaching, I realized I wasn’t alone—over 12 million girls aged 10–20 in Uganda face severe menstrual pain without effective solutions,” she said. This realization birthed She Deserves Uganda, a social enterprise dedicated to sustainable menstrual health solutions to empower girls to manage their menstrual health with dignity. Jackline’s initiative began with personal savings, small grants, and support from competitions like the Sina Acceleration program.

Innovative Solutions for a Pressing Problem

She Deserves Uganda stands apart in its approach. Rather than focusing solely on sanitary pad distribution, the organization tackles the root cause of menstrual absenteeism: pain. “Our menstrual cramp relief droppers are made from natural oils and provide safe, effective relief within 10 minutes of application,” Jackline explained.

Since its inception, the organization has distributed over 16,620 droppers, preventing an estimated 269,760 missed school days. Its hybrid business model is designed for sustainability: products are sold at a profit to higher-income customers, with the proceeds subsidizing access for vulnerable girls and women.

The impact is amplified through community workshops and partnerships. “Our production is conducted in small community workshops and herb gardens in Mpigi District, where we employ and empower teen mothers, women, and persons with disabilities facing economic hardships,” she said.

The Numbers Tell a Story

The numbers are stark: over 95% of menstruators in Uganda experience severe pain, and many girls particularly from marginalized communities such as refugees, orphans, and rural households, miss an average of 48 school days annually due to lack of solutions. This absence often leads to lower academic performance and, in some cases, a 30% dropout rate.

In addition to providing relief, She Deserves Uganda has conducted 17 menstrual health workshops and fielded 24,000 inquiries through its 24/7 WhatsApp support line. “Every girl deserves a chance to reach her dreams,” Jackline emphasized, repeating the mantra that drives her organization.

Challenges and Resilience

Running a social enterprise is no small feat. “She Deserves Uganda takes over 40 hours a week of my time, it’s more than just a job; it’s a calling,” she admitted. To sustain herself and her team, she relies on the organization’s income as well as occasional consulting and facilitating opportunities.

Her personal traits—resilience, empathy, adaptability, and leadership—have been crucial. “Overcoming personal trauma has strengthened my determination, and understanding the struggles of others drives my passion for change,” she reflects.

Looking Ahead

Jackline’s vision for the future is ambitious. “We plan to expand product distribution across East Africa, reach 20 million girls annually through digital campaigns and workshops, and launch a menstrual health mobile app,” she said. On a personal level, she aspires to influence policy changes and ensure menstrual health becomes a priority in education and healthcare systems.

She also advocates against taxing menstrual products, calling it a discriminatory practice that exacerbates economic burdens for women and girls. She argues that treating essential hygiene items as luxury goods forces many to use unsafe alternatives, risking infections and health issues. “If I don’t speak up about this, who will?” she asks, urging governments to exempt menstrual products from taxes to protect the health and dignity of all women and girls.

For aspiring social entrepreneurs, her advice is simple but profound: “Start where you are, with what you have. Challenges are inevitable, but every setback carries a lesson.”

As she continues her journey, Jackline Birungi remains a testament to the power of turning personal pain into a global purpose, an inspiration for those fighting for equity and change in their communities and beyond.

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