Menstrual health is a fundamental human right, yet countless girls and women around the world face Stigma, violence, and discrimination during their menstrual cycles. This reality often holds them back from reaching their full potential. But there is hope. Irise Institute East Africa (IIEA), a not-for-profit organization, is committed to creating a world where women and girls achieve their full potential unlimited by periods, the natural rhythm of their bodies.

IIEA’s work is centered on the belief that menstrual health is not just about access to sanitary products, but about changing the mindset and systems that perpetuate stigma, silence, and shame. Through Menstrual Health Education, IIEA is reaching young girls and women, breaking the silence and teaching them the importance of self-care during menstruation. But IIEA also goes beyond education. By distributing menstrual products, advocating for policy change, and challenging harmful social taboos, IIEA is working tirelessly to create spaces where menstruation is no longer seen as a source of shame, but as a natural part of life to be celebrated through the Period Equality Network (TPEN) which comprises of international, regional, national and grassroots organizations advancing period equality across East Africa to share learnings and best practices around MHH Programming.

In Wakiso and Hoima districts, IIEA advances menstrual health and empowers young women to lead change. By supporting women-led organizations and entrepreneurs in producing reusable sanitary pads, IIEA is contributing to economic independence and environmental sustainability, providing a solution that is both empowering and practical.

Using our community readiness to change approach, IIEA responds directly to the needs of women and girls in these communities, working to build period-positive schools and environments. IIEA’s approach begins with a deep understanding of the context by conducting comprehensive needs assessments in schools to evaluate their current menstrual health management (MHM) facilities. With the support of district authorities and using a PPS checklist, we ensure that schools are ready to be part of the transformation, giving us a clear picture of how to best support the community’s needs.

But our work doesn’t stop there. We hold menstrual health sessions in schools and communities, providing not only essential sanitary products but also educational materials that give girls the knowledge they need to manage their health with confidence. We are also creating ripple effects, facilitating policy change, challenging entrenched social norms, and increasing awareness around menstrual health management.

At IIEA, we understand that when menstrual health is treated with the respect and care it deserves, girls and women can rise. We envision a world where periods are no longer a barrier to education, work, or full participation in life, but rather an opportunity to come together, to empower one another, and to create lasting change.