Program Overview
Village-based discussion groups for women's health education in Nakivale Refugee Settlement. Started September 2024.
Survey Results - What Women Said They Needed
Two surveys (100 women, then 500 women across 13 villages) identified priorities:
- 93% cited lack of community support for women's health
- 97% couldn't access menstrual supplies
- 77% wanted more health knowledge
- 98% wanted to join a women's discussion group
What We Do
16 educational sessions held September-December 2024 in 3 villages (Sudan, New Hope, Kashojwa).
Topics Covered:
- Menstrual health and hygiene practices
- Female anatomy and physiology
- Family planning methods
- Sexual and vaginal health
- STIs and condom use
- Prevention of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV)
Resources Distributed:
- 43 reusable sanitary pads (Afripads brand)
- 43 buckets for washing pads
- 43 bars of soap
Results After 4 Months
- 90% improved understanding of menstrual hygiene
- 80% ready to adopt healthier practices
- Family planning use: 23% → 34%
- 85% will tell young relatives about menstruation before it starts (only 31% of current participants knew what their first period was)
- 100% want to continue attending sessions
- 94% say they learned a lot
- 100% made friends and enjoyed discussions
Participant Testimony
"I used to believe that being on my period made me dirty, and I couldn't bring myself to talk about menstruation openly, even with other women. Whenever I experienced issues like vaginal discharge or itching, I would silently buy medicine from the pharmacy, unsure of what to do.
That changed when I joined the Women Circle sessions. Thanks to the facilitators, I've learned to openly share my concerns and get the answers I need. Now, I feel confident and empowered to take care of myself.
I'm proud to be part of this movement that promotes menstrual hygiene and empowers women and girls in my community. A heartfelt thank you to the Women Circle Project for equipping me with the knowledge and skills to care for myself."
Facilitator Team
Mariam Antoine
Program Coordinator
From Democratic Republic of Congo, living in Nakivale. Program Manager at Unidos. Background: Senior 6 Biology and Chemistry (Tanzania), Seeds Global Ambassador, Mushroom Spawn Multiplication certified (G2 Master). 2+ years as entrepreneurship mentor at Promise Hub.
Linda Keren
Facilitator
Completed DFK/ICT (Divinity, French, Kiswahili/Information Computer Technology). 3-month entrepreneurship course (Unleashed), certified hairdressing and makeup (Free Skilling Camp). Former interpreter with Office of the Prime Minister (2022), facilitator with SEED.
Kojoki Peace
Facilitator
Former Deputy Speaker in college and course coordinator. Pursuing National Certificate in General Science in Agriculture. Completed financial literacy and computer skills training.
Nora Roman
Strategic Advisor & Health Trainer
Retired Registered Nurse and Family Nurse Practitioner (San Francisco). Chairperson of SF Department of Public Health Refugee and Immigrant Health Task Force (1990s). Co-founded group prenatal care model for Spanish-speaking clients at San Francisco General Hospital (1999, still operating today). Based in San Francisco, spent November 2024 in Nakivale training the team.
Elizabeth Nyemkuna
Strategic Advisor
From Cameroon, based in Portugal. Master's in Business Administration. Teaches permaculture, medicinal plants, and food-based health treatments. Works with Unidos on administrative capacity, curriculum development, and staff mentoring.
Olivia Glowaki
Fundraising Advisor
Volunteer & Legal Clinic Coordinator at Justice and Diversity Center (Bar Association of San Francisco). Former roles: Coalition on Homelessness, Housing Rights Committee, The Women's Building, Causa Justa : Just Cause. Plays trumpet in Brass Liberation Orchestra and SF Pride Band.
Violeta Lacayo Delgado
Legal Rights Advisor
Lawyer from El Salvador specializing in Women's Legal Rights. Experience across multiple countries developing legal frameworks and training governments, NGOs, and media on international and national women's rights laws. Focuses on eliminating discrimination and preventing SGBV in Nakivale.
Partners
- Afripads: Ugandan social enterprise providing menstrual supplies and training
- WoMena: Ugandan organization providing health education resources
What's Next - 2026 Plans
Health Topics:
- Menstrual cup distribution and training
- Healthy pregnancy and childbirth
- Breastfeeding techniques
- Infant nutrition and care
- Waterborne disease prevention and treatment
- Malaria prevention
- Stress reduction
Economic Programs (requested by participants):
- Soap production training (integrate with Unidos soap program)
- Mushroom cultivation training (integrate with mushroom program)
- Access to permaculture programs
- Cheese-making (exploring)
- Sewing and producing reusable menstrual pads (exploring)
Mentoring Program:
Personal growth support to build confidence and skills for participants to thrive.