Improving Dignity, Health, and Education for Adolescent Girls .
Ekwendeni Women Dawa Organization (EWDO) has successfully completed the Renovation of a Menstrual Hygiene Changing Room Project at Elangeni Primary School in Mzimba District.

Implemented with generous support from Friends of Malawi Association (FOMA), the initiative aimed to strengthen menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and create a safer, healthier, and more dignified school environment for adolescent girls.

The project addressed a critical infrastructure gap that had affected girls’ comfort, confidence, and school participation during menstruation.

Transforming a Critical Space for Girls 
Before the intervention, the school lacked an adequate and private menstrual hygiene facility. EWDO renovated and transformed the changing room into a functional, safe, and dignified space through:
✅ Structural renovation of walls and flooring
✅ Painting and improved sanitation environment
✅ Provision of water buckets and hygiene facilities
✅ Menstrual hygiene materials and educational support
✅ Improved privacy and safety for adolescent girls
The upgraded facility now provides girls with a clean and private space to manage menstruation with dignity and confidence.

Supporting Girls Beyond Infrastructure
Beyond physical renovation, EWDO also provided menstrual hygiene support to girls at the school.
A total of 48 girls directly received menstrual hygiene support kits, including:
Reusable sanitary pads
Soap for hygiene management
Buckets to support menstrual care practices
To complement the support, EWDO facilitated a Menstrual Health Education Session, where girls received practical knowledge on:
Proper use and care of reusable sanitary pads
Personal hygiene management
Menstrual health awareness
Addressing myths, stigma, and misconceptions
The session created a safe space for discussion and helped strengthen confidence among learners.

Creating Long-Term Impact
The project is expected to contribute toward:
Improved school attendance among girls
Reduced menstrual-related absenteeism
Enhanced dignity and confidence
Better menstrual hygiene practices
A safer and more inclusive school environment
In addition, strong collaboration with the School Management, Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Mother Group, and community members has strengthened sustainability and ownership of the intervention.