More than 700 dignity kits have been distributed to schoolchildren in Central Equatoria state’s Yei River County in an initiative funded by Germany and the European Union to promote gender equality and education access.
The kits were provided by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) as part of its ResPExt project, which aims to reduce menstrual-related barriers for girls and foster supportive school environments. The distribution ran from Sept. 2 to Sept. 9.
According to a press release issued by GIZ, a total of 446 girls and 282 boys from five primary and secondary schools in the Mugwo, Tore and Yei Town areas received the kits, which include hygiene products to help manage menstruation with dignity and confidence.
The effort addresses period poverty—a lack of access to menstrual products and education—which often leads to school absenteeism and dropout among girls.
The press release further said an additional 3,415 kits are planned for distribution in the coming months in Yei, Juba and Aweil West counties. It pointed out that the inclusion of boys is intended to encourage mutual understanding, reduce stigma and help prevent gender-based violence.
The initiative is aligned with the “Engagement of Men and Boys in Emergencies” (EMBIE) approach, which works to transform harmful social norms and promote gender equality in schools.
The ResPExt project is co-funded by the European Union and implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German government.