Absa Bank Uganda, together with World Vision, have partnered to promote the continued inclusion of girls in education across the Karamoja sub-region.

The revelation was made by Mumba Kalifungwa, the Managing Director of Absa Bank, while commissioning facilities to improve water and sanitation for the girl child at Awach Primary School, Abim District, on May 9, 2024.

“These facilities were constructed to improve menstrual hygiene management in underserved communities,” Kalifungwa said.

He echoed the relevance of education to a child, regardless of their sex.

“We believe that education is a right that every child should have access to, regardless of their gender,” he added.

According to Kalifungwa, the facilities will make a difference in the lives of girls in the region, adding that absenteeism and dropout rates can be reduced by improving menstrual hygiene management.

Jeremiah Nyagah, the National Director of World Vision Uganda, noted that sustainable and quality education in the region can only be achieved by consequently reducing hindrances to education due to menstrual health issues.

 “Addressing menstrual hygiene management is a subject that aligns with broader national and global development goals, alluding to sustainable and quality education. It is imperative to recognize the profound impact that menstrual hygiene management has on girls’ participation in various activities, particularly their education,” Nyagah said.

The construction of a fully functional borehole and changing room facility will positively impact 900 girls and address existing menstrual hygiene challenges in Karamoja.