In rural and hard-to-reach communities, many schoolgirls struggle to attend school consistently because of inadequate water, sanitation and menstrual hygiene facilities.
Girls often attend schools without reliable clean water, separate and private toilets, handwashing facilities, sanitary materials or safe spaces to change and dispose of menstrual products.
During menstruation, some girls stay home because they fear embarrassment, staining their uniforms, teasing from fellow learners or being unable to manage their periods safely. Other girls spend valuable learning time looking for water, sanitation facilities or a place to change
The problem is particularly serious in remote communities where poverty, long distances to school, limited infrastructure and inadequate access to menstrual health information make it difficult for girls to remain in education.
In practice, GIRL-READY WASH transforms rural schools into safe, clean and girl-friendly learning environments where menstruation, lack of water or inadequate sanitation no longer prevent girls from attending school.
The innovation is implemented through the establishment of a Girl-Ready WASH Corner in each participating school. This is a dedicated, private and secure space equipped with water storage facilities, handwashing stations, soap, sanitary changing areas, covered waste bins and appropriate facilities for washing and drying reusable sanitary pads.
Each participating school is supported to improve access to separate, clean and private girls' toilets, with water and handwashing facilities. Where possible, schools use rainwater harvesting, water storage tanks and other affordable locally appropriate technologies to ensure a reliable water supply, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.
Girls receive menstrual health and hygiene education and access to affordable reusable sanitary pads. Female teachers and trained girls' peer educators provide guidance, support and confidential information to help girls manage menstruation confidently and overcome stigma and embarrassment.
The innovation also establishes Girls' WASH Clubs, where girls become WASH Champions, promote hygiene practices, support one another and participate in identifying sanitation challenges within their schools. Boys, teachers, parents, school management committees and community leaders are engaged
GIRL-READY WASH is designed to spread through a community-led and partnership-driven approach. Led by Komuge Community Initiative (KCI), the innovation uses existing relationships with rural schools, parents, women's groups, local leaders and community structures to promote adoption and implementation.
Our approach is to begin with selected rural schools, demonstrate the effectiveness of the Girl-Ready WASH Corner, document lessons learned and use successful experiences to encourage neighbouring schools to adopt the model.
We promote knowledge sharing through school visits, girls' WASH clubs, peer-to-peer learning, community awareness meetings and engagement with local government education and health departments. Girls trained as WASH Champions become advocates who share menstrual hygiene knowledge and good sanitation practices with their peers.
We also seek partnerships with NGOs, development organisations, women's groups, local artisans and private-sector actors to mobilise resources, improve access to affordable menstrual hygiene products and support the expansion of the innovation.
GIRL-READY WASH has been designed to move beyond conventional WASH interventions that mainly focus on providing toilets and clean water. We have strengthened the innovation by integrating menstrual health management, girls' empowerment, peer education and community ownership into one comprehensive approach.
Key additions and improvements include:
Introduction of the Girl-Ready WASH Corner: We have incorporated a dedicated, private and safe space where girls can change sanitary materials, access water, wash their hands and manage menstruation with dignity.
Reusable sanitary pad solutions: We have incorporated affordable and reusable menstrual hygiene products, alongside practical education on their safe use, washing, drying and storage.
Girls as WASH Champions: We have added peer-led education through girls' clubs, empowering schoolgirls to share menstrual health information, challenge stigma and support one another.
Community involvement: We have strengthened the model by involving parents, boys, teachers, women's groups, local artisans and school management committees in promoting menstrual health, maintaining facilities and creating supportive school environments.
Anyone interested in implementing GIRL-READY WASH can start by identifying a rural school where girls face challenges accessing clean water, safe sanitation and menstrual hygiene support.
Identify a school: Work with school leaders, teachers, parents and local authorities to identify a school with significant WASH challenges affecting girls' attendance.
Conduct a needs assessment: Assess water availability, toilet facilities, handwashing stations, menstrual hygiene needs and girls' attendance patterns.
Establish a Girl-Ready WASH Corner: Set up a private and safe space with water, handwashing facilities, sanitary changing areas, covered waste bins and appropriate facilities for managing reusable sanitary pads.
Empower girls: Establish Girls' WASH Clubs and train peer educators to provide menstrual health education, promote hygiene and support fellow girls.
Engage the community: Involve parents, boys, teachers, women's groups, local leaders and health workers to challenge menstrual stigma and promote shared responsibility.
