In the summer of 2022, Kundwa Health partnered with a youth fellow from Wesleyan University, supported by the Christopher Brodigan Award, to launch a unique project in Gatsibo District. Titled “Nambara agakombe k’imihango” (I wear a menstrual cup), the project aimed to raise awareness on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Menstrual Health Management (MHM), while equipping communities with practical solutions to end period poverty.

The initiative focused on empowering young mothers and young men alike, recognizing that menstrual health is a shared responsibility. Participants learned about menstrual cups, disposable pads, and how to sew reusable pads—sustainable alternatives that can reduce costs and protect the environment. Each beneficiary left with not just knowledge but also tools they could take home and share with others.

One of the most rewarding parts of this project was witnessing the confidence it gave to participants. A young mother expressed her relief at finally having affordable, reusable options: “Now I can manage my period without missing work or struggling to buy pads every month.”

By combining skills training with awareness raising, the project directly contributed to fighting stigma and breaking silence around menstruation. It also demonstrated the power of youth-driven innovationwhen young people lead, sustainable solutions are born.

At Kundwa Health, we remain committed to our vision: a world where no girl or woman is held back because of menstruation by 2030. Together, with partners and youth leaders, we are working to make that vision a reality in Rwanda.