EmpowerED Hygiene Initiative – Rwanda

The EmpowerED Hygiene Initiative in Rwanda is a community-based education program focused on teaching women, girls, and boys the knowledge and daily practices needed to care for their bodies with dignity and confidence. Through age- and gender-appropriate instruction, the initiative addresses menstrual hygiene management for girls and women, as well as personal and masculine hygiene education for boys and men.

This project is especially important in Rwanda because many communities still face limited access to hygiene education, menstrual products, and open discussion about bodily health. Stigma, misinformation, and economic barriers often prevent girls from managing their periods safely, contributing to school absenteeism, discomfort, and shame. Boys and men are frequently excluded from these conversations, which can reinforce misunderstanding and silence within families and schools.

By providing clear education, practical tools, and culturally respectful dialogue, the EmpowerED Hygiene Initiative helps normalize hygiene as a shared responsibility and a public health priority. The program supports healthier outcomes, keeps students engaged in school, and strengthens community understanding—laying a foundation for long-term wellbeing, equity, and opportunity for all.