Menstruation is a normal biological part of a young woman’s life – PERIOD.
Periods should never hold a girl back. Yet millions of girls around the world face stigma, shame and missed opportunities because of menstruation. Many lack access to products, facilities and basic knowledge.
Did you know?
- 500 million women and girls around the world do not have adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management.
- Globally, only around 2 out of 5 schools provide menstrual health education.
Our solution: education, advocacy and girl leadership
WAGGGS empowers girls and young women with the knowledge, confidence and skills to manage their periods and challenge harmful norms. Our approach includes:
Rosie’s World
A non-formal education programme co-developed with WASH United that uses games, storytelling and activities to teach menstrual health and rights.
Red Pride
A core initiative of WAGGGS' YESS Girls international exchange programme, participants deliver menstrual health education through the Rosie's World curriculum in their host Member Organisations.
Red Pride Week
An annual campaign leading up to Menstrual Hygiene Day, led by girls to raise awareness, challenge stigma and mobilise their communities.
Advocacy in action
Girls lead national campaigns to change policy and influence decision-makers, from removing tax on menstrual products to pushing for product provision in schools.
Our reach and impact
Since 2019, over 100,000 Girl Guides and Girl Scouts across 13 countries in sub-Saharan Africa have taken part in Rosie's World, reaching 180,000 members of their communities with menstrual health advocacy.
Through the YESS Girls' Red Pride initiative, we have reached over 36,000 girls and young women with menstrual health education.
We train local volunteers using a train-the-trainer model, ensuring sustainable delivery rooted in each Member Organisation and community.
Stories of change
“Before Rosie's World, I did not know that you can tell others about your period.”
11 year old Girl Guide, Ghana
“Whilst working towards my badge I learned that all negative thoughts I used to hear about menstruation were myths. I was taught the skills I needed on how to track my period, how to use other clean materials as alternatives to pads, such as menstrual cups. I learned some new ways to relieve my menstrual cramps such as working out and eating healthily.”
Safa, Nepal
“I want to create awareness to challenge stereotypes and taboos around menstruation to break barriers that prevent girls and young women from exploring their fullest potential.”
Pamela, Young Leader, Kenya
Read more inspiring stories here.
“Periods are not something we should be ashamed of or made to feel bad about, they are a natural bodily function. Today as we strive for gender equality, it is time to recognise the challenges that still surround periods for many people. Whether it’s shame or stigma, price or pressure, many of us have suffered as a result.”
Let’s reach the next 100,000 girls
Global taboos and stigma around periods still exist, heightened by a lack of clean, safe facilities and access to period products. Inadequate menstrual health management leads to greater risks of infections, discomfort and negative impacts on mental wellbeing.
We need to expand our MHH programme to more countries and reach more girls and young women with vital education and empowerment. Our priorities are:
- Scaling delivery in high-need areas
- Training more volunteer leaders
- Supporting Member Organisations to embed menstrual health education in their national programmes
Let’s ensure no girl is held back by her period.