Cause | Her Needs Tanzania

About the Cause

Menstruation is a natural process, yet it remains a significant barrier for many girls in Tanzania. Lack of access to sanitary pads forces them to use unsafe alternatives like rags, leaves, or even dirt, leading to infections, embarrassment, and ultimately, absenteeism from school. This not only hinders their education but also limits their future opportunities.

The idea for Her Needs Tanzania was sparked by a simple yet powerful observation. Arjun Kaur Mittal, the founder, was deeply moved when she learned that her family’s nanny, Dada Aziza, had to rely on rags for her menstrual needs, a situation that reflected the broader issue faced by countless girls in the region. This realization, coupled with research and inspiration from the movie Padman, highlighted the urgent need for menstrual hygiene products as a critical area of support often overlooked in charitable efforts.

Her Needs Tanzania was created to address this gap. By providing reusable sanitary pads, we aim to empower girls to stay in school, reduce health risks associated with poor menstrual hygiene, and foster a supportive environment where they can discuss and manage their periods with dignity. This initiative is not just about providing products; it’s about changing lives and ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential, regardless of her menstrual cycle.

Our Future Goals: As we move forward, our goal is to inspire more young girls to take up this initiative within their own communities. We believe that with the right guidance and support, this movement can grow beyond our current reach, creating a network of empowered girls working together to uplift each other. Arjun is passionate about sharing her experiences and is more than happy to be contacted for advice and mentorship, ensuring that Her Needs Tanzania becomes a sustainable and widespread movement.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Her Needs Tanzania directly contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its mission to provide sanitary pads to schoolgirls across Tanzania. By addressing menstrual hygiene, the initiative supports

Her Needs Tanzania ensures that schoolgirls have access to safe and hygienic menstrual products, which is essential for their physical health and well-being. By providing reusable pads, the initiative reduces the risk of infections and other health complications associated with poor menstrual hygiene. This focus on good health enables girls to manage their periods safely and with dignity, contributing to their overall well-being.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

SDG 4: Quality Education

By supplying sanitary pads to schoolgirls, Her Needs Tanzania directly impacts their ability to attend school regularly, especially during their menstrual cycles. Many girls miss school due to a lack of access to menstrual products, which disrupts their education and hinders their academic progress. The initiative helps to eliminate this barrier, allowing girls to continue their education uninterrupted, which is crucial for their long-term development.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

Menstruation is often surrounded by stigma and discrimination, which can lead to girls feeling ashamed and excluded. Her Needs Tanzania works to break these taboos by providing menstrual education and resources, thereby promoting gender equality. By ensuring that girls have the necessary products and knowledge to manage their periods, the initiative empowers them to participate fully in school and society, on an equal footing with boys.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Her Needs Tanzania’s provision of reusable sanitary pads is aligned with the principles of clean water and sanitation. These pads can be easily washed and reused, which not only ensures sustainable menstrual hygiene management but also reduces waste. The initiative promotes the responsible use of water for hygiene purposes, contributing to broader efforts to maintain clean and sustainable environments.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequality

Inequality in access to basic resources like sanitary pads can have significant implications for girls from underprivileged backgrounds. Her Needs Tanzania addresses this disparity by making menstrual products available to girls who might otherwise go without, thereby reducing inequality. By levelling the playing field, the initiative helps to ensure that all girls, regardless of their economic background, have the opportunity to stay in school and pursue their dreams.