PCR Project
Empowering Vulnerable Women and Girls with disabilities in Uganda
In Uganda, women and vulnerable girls face a range of barriers to achieving their full potential, including limited access to education, economic insecurity, social stigmas, and inadequate support for essential health and hygiene needs. Recognizing these challenges, Pilgrim Center for Reconciliation Uganda is dedicated to making a profound difference in the lives of women and girls across the country through targeted initiatives that address these complex issues. One of the center’s cornerstone projects focuses on the empowerment and inclusion of women and girls, with a special emphasis on keeping girls in school and breaking down barriers to menstrual hygiene, particularly for vulnerable groups and girls with disabilities.
Menstrual Hygiene Symposium: Ending Period Poverty
A key component of this project is the Menstrual Hygiene Symposium, which addresses the significant issue of period poverty among vulnerable women and girls, including those with disabilities. In Uganda, menstrual hygiene products are often inaccessible or unaffordable, leading many young girls to miss school during their menstrual periods or to resort to unsanitary alternatives. The symposium seeks to eliminate period poverty by fostering an open and informative dialogue on menstrual health, educating communities, and raising awareness about the impacts of inadequate menstrual hygiene management.
This platform brings together health professionals, educators, community leaders, and stakeholders to discuss practical and sustainable solutions, such as providing reusable menstrual products and advocating for better menstrual health facilities in schools. Moreover, it helps dismantle the stigma associated with menstruation, empowering young girls to feel comfortable and confident in managing their menstrual health.
Supporting Vulnerable Women and Girls with Disabilities
The project places a special focus on women and girls with disabilities, who face additional layers of discrimination and exclusion in Ugandan society. Limited accessibility to schools, health facilities, and hygienic resources disproportionately affects girls with disabilities, often exacerbating their vulnerabilities. Pilgrim Center for Reconciliation Uganda is committed to creating inclusive opportunities for these girls by collaborating with organizations that specialize in disability support, improving accessibility to essential resources, and implementing educational workshops on menstrual hygiene that consider their unique needs.
Keeping a Girl in School Campaign
The “Keeping a Girl in School” campaign stands as a vital pillar of the project, aiming to empower young girls to continue their education and pursue their dreams. In Uganda, girls are more likely to drop out of school due to various socioeconomic factors, including financial constraints, early marriages, and cultural stigmas that prioritize boys’ education over girls’. This campaign addresses these issues by providing scholarships, school supplies, and financial assistance to vulnerable girls, ensuring they have the resources needed to remain in school and succeed academically. Additionally, mentorship and counseling services are offered to boost their confidence, foster leadership skills, and promote a positive mindset toward their future.
Impact and Vision
Pilgrim Center for Reconciliation Uganda envisions a future where women and girls, regardless of their circumstances, can pursue their dreams and actively contribute to their communities. Through initiatives like the “Keeping a Girl in School” campaign and the Menstrual Hygiene Symposium, the center works to dismantle societal barriers, promote gender equality, and create an environment where every girl can thrive. By addressing period poverty and supporting the educational aspirations of young girls, especially those with disabilities, Pilgrim Center for Reconciliation Uganda is taking significant steps toward building a more inclusive, equitable, and empowered society for all women and girls in Uganda.
This project is not only a symbol of hope but also a call to action for communities, stakeholders, and policymakers to join in the mission to end period poverty, empower women and girls, and ensure that no girl’s dreams are cut short due to circumstances beyond her control.