Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a crucial aspect of overall health and wellbeing for women. In Uganda, women face significant challenges in accessing necessary SRH services, including family planning, safe abortion, and HIV prevention and treatment. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, only 34.9% of married women between the ages of 15-49 use a modern contraceptive method, leading to unintended pregnancies and complications during childbirth. Additionally, the prevalence of HIV among women is higher than that of men, with women accounting for 57% of adults living with HIV in Uganda.
WORI recognizes the importance of addressing these key SRH issues faced by women in Uganda. Through our programs, we engage women and youth in awareness and training on SRH rights and issues, including family planning, childbirth, sanitation and hygiene, nutrition and diet, cancer awareness and advocacy, and menstrual hygiene management. We strive to educate and empower women to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, and to improve their access to necessary SRH services.
Moreover, the program also provides access to affordable, eco-friendly, and healthy reusable sanitary wear to support girls. STAR Durable Pads, a social enterprise established by WORI in 2017, offers locally crafted reusable cloth menstrual pads as a low-cost alternative to disposable pads and tampons. These pads are an accessible option for women and girls in low-income communities, and their reusable and biodegradable nature eliminates the issue of waste disposal and environmental pollution. The pads can be purchased individually or in bulk by organizations such as NGOs and schools. Profits from the sale of STAR Durable Pads go towards the development and delivery of a menstrual hygiene management and rights training program, furthering the initiative’s social impact (You can also by a STAR Durable Pad from our online shop).
In addition, through partnerships, the program also organises women for screening services to detect cervical cancer early. WORI's SRH program is committed to promoting and protecting the health and rights of women and girls, and improving the overall well-being of communities.
For more information on the situation of women's lives in Uganda, please join us as a member. Women's Rights Initiative would be delighted to welcome you.