MPs, government ministries and civil society organisations sign MHM charter

Published on: 15/07/2015

The Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Coalition in Uganda, on May 28th 2015 marked the International Menstrual Hygiene Day, with the presentation of charter committing to the promotion of the rights of girls and women during and after their menstrual cycle.

The Charter was presented to the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Rebecca Kadaga who duly endorsed it by appending her signature. The charter was also been endorsed by five government ministries and 35 civil society organisations. The Ministry of Education and Sports is custodian of the charter.

In the charter, the signatories commit to the following resolutions:

1. We will develop an Issues Paper on Menstrual Hygiene Management to inform the National Development Plan and Post 2015 Development Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals.
2. We shall conduct research on and promote private/public sector partnership in Menstrual Hygiene Management to sustain effective advocacy, resources allocation and increased access to affordable and appropriate sanitary materials.
3. We shall develop a national and global knowledge hub for information sharing and adoption of good menstrual hygiene management practices.
4. We shall empower girls with life skills to manage their menstruation including making their own sanitary pads.
5. We will empower both boys and girls to understand and appreciate menstruation and manage the social and practical challenges associated with menstrual hygiene.
6. We shall bring on board teachers as well as parents and guardians to fulfill their roles and responsibilities in the promotion of menstrual hygiene management.