By Mike Rwothomio

The Reconciliation Ministry, a faith-based organization operating in Paidha, Zombo District, has conducted a one-day capacity-building workshop on reusable sanitary pad production and liquid soap making, reaching over 100 adolescent girls and mothers and men.

The intervention seeks to address period poverty, enhance menstrual hygiene management, reduce school absenteeism and dropout rates among girls, and promote economic empowerment through income-generating skills.

The training took place at the Bible School Training Centre in Mawa Cell, Paidha Town Council, and involved participants from three local Church of Uganda congregations. 

Girls as young as 12 years old participated alongside their mothers, equipping them with practical skills to manage menstruation affordably and produce quality liquid soap for household use or sale.

Francis Jaryekunga, Chairperson of the Reconciliation Ministry, a group composed of married couples emphasized the initiative's diverse objectives.

“We converged here to train girls as young as 12 to help retain them in school, while also equipping mothers who cannot afford commercial sanitary pads,” Jaryekunga said. “The liquid soap production component supports income generation for vulnerable households.”

In Uganda, period poverty, the inability to access safe and affordable menstrual hygiene products, remains a major social determinant contributing to gender inequalities, health risks, and educational barriers. National data indicate that a significant proportion of adolescent girls miss school during menstruation, with estimates showing that around 10% of girls report monthly absenteeism linked to inadequate MHM.

Broader reports highlight that challenges such as lack of pads, stigma, and poor WASH facilities in schools exacerbate absenteeism and contribute to dropout risks, particularly in rural areas.

Zombo District faces acute retention challenges for girls, with some areas reporting high primary-level dropout rates influenced by socioeconomic factors, including limited access to hygiene resources.

The Reconciliation Ministry 's effort aligns with national priorities to tackle these barriers through community-led solutions.

Jaryekunga noted resource constraints limiting scale-up, revealing “We would like to extend this initiative to every corner of Zombo, but we are limited by resources. We appeal for support from well-wishers and partners to expand and sustain the program.”

Oyikuru Jackson, a ministry representative, urged participants to apply the skills practically and called for ongoing stakeholder engagement to ensure long-term impact. 

“We have provided the knowledge, now we urge beneficiaries to put it into practice,” Jackson said.

Emmanuel Ociti Oyet, the facilitator for the training lauded participants for being " active and participated well", urging them to extend the knowledge to friends

Beneficiaries expressed appreciation and commitment to knowledge-sharing.

Paula Pifua from Nyibola Church of Uganda stated, “I will extend this knowledge to fellow church members, especially girls, to help them stay in school and generate income through liquid soap production.” 

Lay leader Denis Ozelle of Rukidi Church and faithful Gloria Pimer from St. Paul Church echoed similar dedication to improving household hygiene and economic self-reliance.

Established in 2017, the Reconciliation Ministry is a registered, inter-denominational FBO rooted in Christian principles. It serves communities in Zombo, Nebbi, and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, promoting reconciliation, empowerment, and holistic well-being through targeted outreach.

Facilitator Emmanuel Ociti takes the participants through the hands on skills in sanitary pads production

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information hub