17 Jul
Sexual And Reproductive Health & Rights

Empowered to Stay in School: Uwase Janet’s Journey with Family Planning in Nakivale.

Empowering Refugee Girls Through Family Planning: How Shared Action Africa Helped Uwase Janet Stay in School and Secure Her Future in Nakivale Settlement.

At just 22 years old, Uwase Janet, a student at Nakivale Vocational Training Centre Institute in Uganda’s Isingiro District, is an inspiring example of how access to family planning education can transform the life of a young refugee woman. Through a program implemented by Shared Action Africa under the ARJ (A Raise for Reproductive Justice for Refugee Girls) initiative, Janet and many other young women have gained vital knowledge on reproductive health and the power to make informed choices.

Janet recalls how her life changed after Shared Action Africa visited their institute. “They counselled us on the different family planning methods and how effective they are,” she says. “I chose the Sayana injection, which works for three years, and it has been so effective for me.“

Having a boyfriend, Janet knew the risks of unplanned pregnancy. But with the knowledge and access to family planning, she has been able to protect herself and stay focused on her education. “Family planning has helped me avoid unwanted pregnancy. I’m still in school and almost finishing my course,” she shares with pride.

Unfortunately, not all her peers have had the same journey. “The girls I was studying with dropped out of school because of unplanned pregnancies,” Janet says. “But I stayed because I used the skills I got from the training by Shared Action Africa. It really helped me succeed.“

Janet speaks highly of the support offered by the organization. “I appreciate Shared Action Africa for the love they have for the girl child. My life is simple and enjoyable now,” she says. “I haven’t faced any challenges using the family planning method I chose.“

Uwase Janet’s story is a testament to the life-changing impact of reproductive health education and support in refugee settings. Thanks to Shared Action Africa, she is not just surviving but thriving—with her future still bright and within reach.

16 Jul
Advocacy

Shared Action Africa Brings Menstrual Hygiene Support to Refugee Schoolgirls..

Shared Action Africa Champions Menstrual Hygiene in Schools: A Lifeline for Girls in Oruchinga Refugee Settlement.

Menstrual hygiene in schools is critical for the health, dignity, and academic success of female students—especially in refugee communities where access to resources is limited. In Uganda’s Oruchinga Refugee Settlement, Shared Action Africa has taken the lead in promoting menstrual health by training girls and launching the use of menstrual cups and supplied sanitary pads at Visionary Blue School.

This initiative has brought about life-changing benefits for the girls and the entire school community. Below are some of the key uses and importance of menstrual hygiene made possible through Shared Action Africa’s intervention:

  1. Reduces School Absenteeism

Before this intervention, many girls missed school during their periods due to lack of menstrual products and safe spaces. Shared Action Africa’s provision of menstrual cups and hygiene training has enabled girls to stay in class, improving attendance and performance.

“I used to stay home during my period,” said one student. “Now I can come to school every day without fear.”

  1. Promotes Girls’ Health and Prevents Infections

By teaching girls’ proper hygiene practices and how to safely use menstrual cups, Shared Action Africa has helped prevent infections such as UTIs and RTIs. Clean water, soap, and access to sanitation facilities now play a greater role in girls’ well-being at school.

  1. Boosts Confidence and Participation

Girls who once felt embarrassed or insecure now feel clean and confident. With stigma being addressed openly, students are more comfortable participating in class and interacting with peers.

  1. Encourages Gender Equality

Importantly, the program involved training boys, helping them understand menstruation and respect their female classmates. This has helped reduce teasing and built a more supportive environment for all students.

  1. Enhances Retention and Reduces Dropout Rates

Thanks to Shared Action Africa’s efforts, girls who were at risk of dropping out due to period-related challenges are now staying in school—and thriving. The training has turned menstruation from a barrier into something manageable.

  1. Builds Lifelong Hygiene and Health Habits

Through education sessions, girls have learned how to maintain proper hygiene throughout their menstrual cycle, a habit that will benefit them long into adulthood.

  1. Creates a Supportive Learning Environment

Shared Action Africa’s presence at Visionary Blue School has also inspired teachers and school leaders to support menstrual health. Girls now have trusted adults they can approach with questions and concerns.

In refugee settings like Oruchinga, where girls are often most vulnerable, Shared Action Africa’s menstrual hygiene program is not just about hygiene—it’s about dignity, empowerment, and opportunity.

“They didn’t just teach us how to manage our periods,” said one student. “They gave us back our confidence.”

 

 

16 Jul
Advocacy

How Menstrual Health Education Empowered a Future Lawyer.

“Training Changed Everything for Me” — Oliva’s Journey to Confidence and Justice.

Nyirakamana Oliva, a 16-year-old refugee from Rwanda, is a Primary Seven pupil at Visionary Blue School in Oruchinga Refugee Settlement, Uganda. Her dream is to become a lawyer, one who will fight for women’s rights, especially single mothers who are left to raise children alone after fathers abandon their responsibilities.

“I want to bring justice to women who are voiceless,” Oliva says. “Many single mothers suffer silently. They carry the burden of raising children alone, while the fathers disappear. As a lawyer, I want to fight for them. “She said.

But until recently, Oliva faced challenges that nearly pushed her away from school, particularly during her menstrual periods.

“Before the training, boys used to laugh at us when we stained our uniforms. It was embarrassing,” she explains. “I felt unsafe and ashamed every time my period started. Sometimes, I didn’t want to come to school. “Olivia said.

That changed when Shared Action Africa conducted a school hygiene outreach at Visionary Blue School. Health workers led training sessions for girls on personal hygiene, menstrual health, and self-care. Importantly, boys were also included and that made all the difference.

“After the training, everything changed. The boys came to us and apologized. They told us they didn’t understand what we were going through before. Now, they even support us. If someone sees a girl has stained, he will quietly help her—not laugh,” Oliva shares with a smile.

Through the training, Oliva also learned about staying clean and protecting herself from infections during menstruation.

“I now know how to protect myself from STIs and other infections. I keep myself clean, and I feel confident,” she says. “I am not afraid of school anymore.” She spoke.

Oliva believes that the program came at the right time and saved her from dropping out.

“Shared Action Africa has solved problems that were pushing me away from school. Now I’m focused on my dream of becoming a lawyer,” she says proudly. “Their words of wisdom have opened a clear path for my future. I thank Shared Action Africa for helping us. They didn’t just teach us hygiene they gave us back our confidence.” She spoke.

 

16 Jul
Advocacy

How Menstrual Health Support Helped Nahweera Stay in School

“Now I Can Learn with Confidence” — Nahweera Ruth Shares Her Journey to Menstrual Dignity.

Nahweera Ruth, a 15-year-old refugee and Primary Seven candidate at Visionary Blue School in Oruchinga Refugee Settlement, dreams of becoming a doctor one day. Her ambition is fuelled by a desire to save the lives of mothers, many of whom, she believes, die during childbirth, particularly in conflict-affected regions like the one she calls home.

During a school outreach on hygiene conducted by Shared Action Africa, where girls received training on personal hygiene and menstrual health, Nahweera privately shared the challenges she faced before the program reached her school.

Having lived the realities of period poverty, Nahweera understands all too well the silent struggles many refugee girls endure during menstruation. In a candid conversation, she recounted her experience:

“Before Shared Action Africa came to our school, my monthly periods were the hardest time of the month,” she said softly. “I felt alone, ashamed, and afraid. Sanitary pads were too expensive for my parents. I often had to use old pieces of cloth, tissue, or even leaves. They were uncomfortable and would leak. I couldn’t concentrate in class because I was always worried something would happen. Our school didn’t have proper toilets or even water most of the time. There was nowhere clean or private to change. I would wear the same cloth all day, even when it was soaked. I felt dirty and stressed. I missed many school days because I had no pads and no safe place to manage my periods. I would stay home and fall behind in class. I love school, but every month I felt like giving up. At school, you fear standing up in class. If you stain your uniform, boys laugh, girls whisper, it’s like you’ve done something wrong just because you’re menstruating. I used to hide from my friends during my period. When I first got my period, I didn’t even know what it was. I thought I was sick. I cried. My mother tried to explain, but she didn’t know much either. We were never taught about it in school. And there was no one to talk to. no counsellor, no understanding teachers. I felt like I had to face it all alone. “She said.

Everything changed when Shared Action Africa launched its menstrual health and hygiene program at her school.

“The health workers taught us everything—how to manage our periods, how to use a menstrual cup, how to stay clean, and how to support each other as girls. They even talked to the boys and taught them to respect us, not to laugh or mock. For the first time, I felt safe and understood. The menstrual cup has changed my life. I no longer worry every month about buying pads. I’m not afraid to come to school. I feel clean, confident, and ready to learn.” Ruth said.

With a bright smile, Nahweera added:

“I want to thank Shared Action Africa for remembering girls like me. Because of them, we now have hope, dignity, and the chance to stay in school. “She said.

This is a story of transformation, not just for Nahweera, but for many girls in Oruchinga and other refugee settlements who are finally being given the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive.

l and thrive.

16 Jul
Advocacy

Empowering Refugee Girls: Menstrual Cups Introduced at Visionary Blue School

Promoting Menstrual Health in Refugee Communities: Shared Action Africa Introduces Menstrual Cups at Visionary Blue School.

During the launch of the menstrual cup and the distribution of sanitary pads by Shared Action Africa at Visionary Blue School in Oruchinga Refugee Settlement, Shared Action Africa health workers engaged both boys and girls in vital discussions on personal hygiene and sexual and reproductive health.

The sessions aimed to build awareness and confidence among students. Boys were sensitised on how to treat girls with respect, particularly during menstruation, while girls were guided on proper hygiene management and encouraged to feel confident during their periods. In addition to distributing sanitary pads, the team introduced the menstrual cup—a sustainable and reusable innovation in menstrual hygiene.

Shared Action Africa Health workers demonstrated the correct use of the menstrual cup and encouraged girls to share their experiences and challenges with menstrual health at school.

Owomugisha Novence, a 15-year-old pupil in Primary Seven at Visionary Blue School and a refugee from Rwanda, shared her personal struggles:

“It has been difficult for me to afford sanitary pads. Sometimes my parents can’t even pay my school fees, let alone buy me three packets of pads, which cost UGX 5,000 each. I use two packets every month. So, whenever I got my period, I would stay home and miss school. Sometimes, I would improvise with old pieces of cloth, but changing them at school was difficult. There was no proper place to dispose of them and replace with clean ones. Carrying extra cloths in my bag was embarrassing in front of classmates. They often weren’t clean or secure, and I didn’t feel comfortable. I couldn’t play or interact freely with friends because I was afraid the cloth might fall out, which was very shameful. Now, we see hope for the future. Shared Action Africa introduced us to the menstrual cup, which can be used for more than a year. We’ve learned how to use it properly, and it will help us save the money we used to spend on pads. We won’t miss school anymore because of our periods. We’ll feel free and confident to engage with others at school. We truly appreciate Shared Action Africa for the great work they are doing to support girls.”

Through initiatives like this, Shared Action Africa continues to promote dignity, education, and health for adolescent girls in refugee communities—helping them stay in school and thrive.

15 Jul
Economic Empowerment

Nzayisenga Faida’s Journey with Shared Action Africa

Bernadette Nyabenda: Advancing Livelihoods Through Agriculture and Savings.

Nzayisenga Faida, a member of the Tafuta Savings and Business Group in Nyakagando A, has transformed her life through economic development training provided by Shared Action Africa. Once burdened by the high cost of purchasing vegetables, she now grows her own at home—ensuring both food security for her family and savings on household expenses.

The training sessions conducted by Shared Action Africa equipped her with essential knowledge in climate-smart agriculture, harvesting, and post-harvest handling, including proper storage techniques that reduce losses and improve food safety.

“I am Nzayisenga Faida from Nyakagando A, a member of the Tafuta Savings and Business Group. I have no regrets about getting involved in the agricultural initiatives organized by Shared Action Africa,” she shares. “Before the training, I used to buy vegetables at high prices from the market to feed my children. However, after attending the sessions, I learned how to grow vegetables using a keyhole garden. This has not only helped me feed my family but also save up to UGX 500,000.”

Faida notes that Shared Action Africa has played a significant role in empowering women within her savings and business group. “We were taught better farming methods, including how to establish and maintain backyard gardens throughout the year. These gardens now provide us with a steady and reliable source of vegetables. Since adopting these techniques, we no longer struggle to access nutritious food.”

In addition to farming skills, Faida and her fellow group members were trained in proper harvesting and post-harvest handling techniques. This includes best practices to safeguard produce from pests and diseases during storage. They also learned how to properly store seeds using sacks with polyethylene linings, which help prevent spoilage, and the importance of thoroughly drying harvests before storage.

“Shared Action Africa taught us how to protect our harvests and seeds,” Faida adds. “Their training has helped us minimize waste, maintain food quality, and improve the overall sustainability of our farming.”

Through these interventions, Shared Action Africa continues to uplift refugee women by building their capacity in agriculture and financial independence, ultimately improving household resilience and community development.

 

15 Jul
Economic Empowerment

Empowering Refugee Women Through Agriculture and Savings

Bernadette Nyabenda: Advancing Livelihoods Through Agriculture and Savings.

Bernadette Nyabenda, a refugee woman farmer, expresses her deep appreciation for the work of Shared Action Africa (SAA) in empowering women through financial literacy and agricultural training. With SAA’s support, women in her community have acquired valuable skills in savings and modern farming techniques, significantly improving their livelihoods and household food security.

“We appreciate Shared Action Africa for teaching us, women, how to save and develop ourselves,” Bernadette says. “With the knowledge we acquired, we began saving. After completing one savings cycle, we moved on to another. This practice has greatly enhanced our financial stability and allowed us to invest in better farming methods.”

One of the key lessons provided by Shared Action Africa focused on the proper planting of staple crops like maize and beans using line-spacing techniques. This approach has not only improved crop yields but also enhanced the quality of the harvest. In addition, the women were trained to establish kitchen gardens, which now provide a reliable source of fresh vegetables for their households. These gardens are carefully structured to grow a variety of crops in designated sections, ensuring consistent access to nutritious food.

“Our kitchen gardens are now of high quality, and we can access vegetables without any difficulty,” Bernadette explains. “Being able to grow different crops in various sections has improved both our nutrition and overall well-being.”

Beyond planting, the women also received training in post-harvest handling—an essential component of sustainable farming. They learned how to properly sort and store seeds by separating dried seeds from undried ones. This technique helps preserve seed quality and ensures readiness for future planting seasons.

SAA also introduced innovative, cost-effective methods for seed preservation. Using polythene bags and improved granary storage systems, the women are now able to protect their harvests from pests and spoilage. These practices have drastically reduced post-harvest losses and helped secure food reserves for the next planting cycle.

“Thanks to Shared Action Africa, we now know how to store our seeds and preserve our harvests properly,” Bernadette adds. “This knowledge has helped us reduce waste and maintain food security in our households.”

Through these initiatives, Shared Action Africa continues to transform the lives of refugee women farmers, equipping them with the tools they need to become self-reliant and economically empowered. The training has improved agricultural productivity, fostered financial independence, and strengthened the resilience of the community.

15 Jul
Sexual And Reproductive Health & Rights

Reclaiming My Life Through Family Planning: Evelina’s Journey in Nakivale

“Family Planning Gave Me My Life Back”: Nyabenda Evelina’s Story from Nakivale Refugee Settlement.

At 37 years old, Nyabenda Evelina, a mother of seven, a refugee from Burundi, and a resident of Kabazaana Village in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Isingiro District, Uganda, shares a powerful testimony of how access to family planning transformed her life, restored her marriage, and brought stability to her household.

Evelina recalls the early years of motherhood with hardship and exhaustion. “I had my first three children one after the other, without any space in between,” she says. “I was constantly weak and tired, and my children were unhealthy because we couldn’t afford a balanced diet.”

Before she was introduced to family planning, Evelina had no knowledge of contraceptive methods. The rapid succession of births left her overwhelmed. “The children would wet the bedroom, and I was always unkempt. My husband didn’t like it. He became distant and started seeing other women because I was always breastfeeding and had no time for him. I was just too tired to be a wife.”

Everything began to change when Shared Action Africa brought health services to her village through its mobile clinic and community outreach program. It was during one of these sessions that Evelina learned about the Sayana Press injectable contraceptive. Realizing the opportunity to reclaim control over her life, she immediately opted for the three-year injection.

“Family planning gave me my life back,” Evelina explains. “After starting on Sayana, I began spacing my children. I could work, rest, and take care of my husband again. Our marriage was restored, and now we live in peace.”

With fewer childcare demands and improved health, Evelina and her husband have been able to focus on economic stability. “Now we produce children at our own pace, and we can support them well,” she adds. “There is happiness at home. I live without stress, and I’m working towards my development dreams.”

Evelina expresses deep gratitude to Shared Action Africa: “Thank you for loving our communities and for changing my life.” Nyabenda said.

Evalina story stands as a testament to the life-changing impact of accessible family planning services in refugee communities.

15 Jul
Sexual And Reproductive Health & Rights

Empowered Through Family Planning

How Family Planning Transformed Najjissa Nimaana’s Life: A Refugee Mother’s Journey to Stability and Empowerment in Nakivale.

Najjissa Nimaana Vanancia, a 28-year-old refugee from Rwanda, now lives in Kabazaana Village within the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. A mother of two, Najjissa has become an inspiring example of how access to family planning can transform lives.

After entering a committed relationship with her first serious boyfriend, Najjissa embraced a life of happiness with him. However, she admits her biggest fear was getting pregnant before marriage. “I was scared of falling pregnant before I was ready,” she recalls. “I wanted to build a future first.”

While selling tomatoes at her stall in the village, Najjissa met a Village Health Team (VHT) member from Shared Action Africa. The VHT offered her guidance and counseling on family planning methods to help prevent unwanted pregnancies and promote child spacing. Encouraged by this support, Najjissa chose the Sayana injection, a method that provides protection for three months per dose.

She was referred to Kabazaana Health Centre III, where she met Shared Action Africa health workers who trained her further about her chosen method. “They were so friendly and supportive,” she says. “They helped me start Sayana immediately, and I’ve used it successfully for three years.”

Thanks to this decision, Najjissa has been able to space her children well—her firstborn is now five years old and in school, and her second child is one year old. She says family planning has given her the ability to support her family and work productively. “Our children are healthy because we can take care of them and provide a balanced diet,” she adds. “I look strong and healthy because I gave my body time to rest.”

Najjissa deeply appreciates Shared Action Africa for their role in her journey. “They moved me into the world of technology where child spacing is helping families grow financially,” she says. “We are happy and managing well as a family because we only have the children we can afford.”

Her story is a powerful testimony to how informed choices in reproductive health can empower women, strengthen families, and build better futures.

14 Jul
Sexual And Reproductive Health & Rights

Freedom to Plan

“The Injection That Changed My Life”, Twisabe Evvetu’s Journey to Empowerment in Nakivale.

At just 23 years old, Twisabe Evvetu, a refugee from Burundi now living in Kabazaana Village within Uganda’s Nakivale Refugee Settlement, has endured hardships that many never face in a lifetime. A mother of three, Twisabe’s early years were marked by loss, rejection, and immense uncertainty—until she discovered the life-changing impact of family planning.

Twisabe became pregnant for the first time while still in school.

Alone and struggling to raise her first child, she later became pregnant again by a different partner who, like the first, refused to take responsibility.

Her life began to shift when she encountered a Village Health Team (VHT) member supported by Shared Action Africa, an organization working to empower women and girls in refugee and host communities. The health worker provided accurate information on reproductive health, and Twisabe opted for the one-year injectable contraceptive.

“That injection changed everything,” she says. “It was the injection of my life—it brought back my happiness.”

With newfound control over her reproductive choices, Twisabe was able to focus on rebuilding her life. She secured work, regained confidence, and eventually met a caring and supportive partner who later became her husband. Today, they are raising a healthy one-year-old child together and sharing responsibilities as equals.

Twisabe reports no side effects from her family planning method and actively encourages other young women to seek reproductive health services.

“Family planning gave me a second chance. I now have a voice in my home and the freedom to live and plan for the future.I thank Shared Action Africa for empowering me and changing my life. That injection didn’t just prevent pregnancy—it gave me back my life.” She said .

 

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