UNFPA and Diamond Trust Bank Partner to Reduce School Absentism.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) have signed a partnership to enhance Youth Health and Gender Equality in Uganda. Through the partnership, the two institutions hope to reduce school absentism and improve menstrual hygiene education for young girls in Uganda’s marginalized communities.
“It is a pleasure for DTB and UNFPA to have this partnership as it will benefit our young people in Uganda”. Gift Malunga, Country Representative of UNFPA said.
Among others, the partnership also seeks to ensure that integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHE) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) services are available and responsive to the needs of young people.
“Through such partnerships, we intend to reach 10000 vulnerable girls through our Achieve More Girl Initiatives intended to sustain the girl-child in school as she prepares for social development Goals in adulthood”. Ms. Mbabazi Emejet, the Executive Director DTB said.
The SAY programme launched last year by the Danish Government in collaboration with UNFRA, is a four-year initiative that has been running from January 2024 and expected to end in Dec 2027 with a budget allocation of DKK 100, 000,000(approximately 55 billion). The project aims to enhance access to and utilization of SRHR and SGBV information and services among young people aged 10-24 years in refugee settlements and host communities.
With this contribution, 10000 vulnerable school girls will have access to; packets of reusable sanitary pads consisting of 5 pads, 2 mini, 1 super max and 2 carrying pouches (one leak proof pouch for storing soiled pads, 10000 pairs of underwear, 10000 backpacks and hygiene educational booklets (available in 3 languages). The reusable sanitary towels that have been supplied by AFRIpads have a life span of 2 years.
The partnership also focuses on health system transformations to enhance the health and well-being of women and girls, scaling up health innovations, developing innovative financing models for sustainable interventions and conducting joint advocacy efforts to raise public awareness and visibility.
SAY empowers young people to assert their SRHR rights, prevent SGBV and enhance availability and accessibility of youth-responsive SRHR/SGBV services.
Report compiled by Teddy Namayanja. She’s a staff writer at SML News UG passionate about politics and human rights.
