Menstrual Hygiene Day
May 28, 2022

RUFFO and Partners Visit Mfuro Secondary School to Promote Menstrual Hygiene Day 2022


RUFFO, in partnership with Jubilee Insurance, Tanzania Youth Alliance, and other stakeholders, visited Mfuro Secondary School in Kisarawe to celebrate Menstrual Hygiene Day 2022. The event was aimed at promoting menstrual health and hygiene among adolescent girls and women in Tanzania. During the workshop, students were educated on the importance of maintaining proper menstrual hygiene practices to avoid infections and other menstrual-related complications. Additionally, sanitary pads were donated to the students to help them manage their menstruation effectively.


Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed annually on the 28th of May to raise awareness about the challenges faced by girls and women during menstruation. Menstruation is a natural biological process that occurs in every woman's life, but unfortunately, it is still a taboo subject in many societies. In Tanzania, cultural taboos surrounding menstruation are prevalent, and as a result, many girls miss school during their menstrual cycle.



Statistics show that approximately 30% of girls in Tanzania miss school during their menstrual cycle. This is due to a lack of access to affordable and quality menstrual hygiene products, inadequate sanitation facilities, and cultural taboos surrounding menstruation. This situation has a significant impact on the academic performance and wellbeing of these girls, leading to increased dropout rates and limited opportunities for their future.

To break these cultural taboos and promote menstrual health and hygiene, RUFFO has launched the Hedhi Yangu campaign. This campaign seeks to educate girls and women on the importance of maintaining proper menstrual hygiene practices, provide them with access to affordable and quality menstrual hygiene products, and promote advocacy efforts to create an enabling environment for menstrual health and hygiene.


The Hedhi Yangu campaign is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on Gender Equality, which aims to empower women and girls and promote their rights. Additionally, it aligns with Tanzania's National Policy of Action for the Survival, Protection, and Development of Children in Tanzania, which seeks to address the needs and rights of children, including menstrual health and hygiene.


RUFFO is calling on individuals and organizations to support the Hedhi Yangu campaign by making donations to help provide menstrual hygiene products to girls and women in need. By supporting this campaign, you will be contributing to the empowerment of girls and women and promoting their health, wellbeing, and education.



In conclusion, RUFFO's partnership with Jubilee Insurance, Tanzania Youth Alliance, and other stakeholders to celebrate Menstrual Hygiene Day 2022 at Mfuro Secondary School in Kisarawe is a significant step towards promoting menstrual health and hygiene among adolescent girls and women in Tanzania. Let us all join hands in breaking cultural taboos and promoting menstrual health and hygiene for all. Donate today to support the Hedhi Yangu campaign and make a difference in the lives of girls and women in Tanzania.



RUFFO Joins WHO in Signing MOU to Advance Public Health Services in Tanzania

By Amos Mhando • May 8, 2024
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - On May 8th, 2024, Raising Up Friendship Foundation (RUFFO) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the World Health Organization (WHO), alongside other non-state actors. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing public health services across Tanzania. The MoU was signed on behalf of RUFFO by Executive Director and Co-Founder Hilda Ngaja. Dr. Charles Sagoe-Moses, the WHO country representative, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in addressing the country's health challenges. He noted that the partnerships will enable WHO to leverage the expertise, resources, and networks of these organizations to address the health challenges the country faces. The signing ceremony marked the culmination of an extensive process that began with an expression of interest launched in December 2022. Out of 46 submissions, RUFFO was was one of 11 selected through a rigorous evaluation and the FENSA process, mandated by the World Health Assembly in 2016. Hilda Ngaja expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "This MoU signifies a critical step forward in our mission to empower women and children in Tanzania. We are honored to collaborate with WHO and other esteemed organizations to enhance disease prevention, health promotion, and innovative healthcare solutions. This partnership will enable us to make a significant impact on public health services across the country." RUFFO is proud to be part of this initiative and remains dedicated to its mission of empowering women and children in Tanzania. The organization looks forward to working closely with WHO and other partners to improve access to quality healthcare services, strengthen health workforce development, and promote the use of innovative technologies in healthcare delivery. The signing of the MoU represents a shared vision of improving public health in Tanzania, highlighting the critical role of partnerships in achieving the health for all agenda.

School Visit

By Henry Manyasi • February 26, 2024
On February 9th, 2024, RUFFO had the privilege of participating in a special event held at Kerezange Secondary School in Kitunda, Ilala, Dar es Salaam. The event, aimed at welcoming incoming form one students, provided an opportunity for RUFFO to engage with students, educators, and community members, and to promote initiatives that support the well-being and empowerment of both boys and girls. During the event, representatives from RUFFO introduced the organization and its mission to support vulnerable students through various projects and initiatives. Among these initiatives is the Sitanyamaza club, which advocates against violence and promotes the importance of speaking out against abuse and injustice. The Sitanyamaza club plays a crucial role in providing a safe space for students to discuss and address issues such as violence, abuse, and discrimination. Through activities and discussions led by the club, students are empowered to recognize their rights, build self-confidence, and seek support when needed.

RUFFO and Fountain Gate Unite to Champion Women's Football Equality

By Henry Manyasi • February 26, 2024
RUFFO and Fountain Gate, two leading organizations in Tanzania, have joined forces to advocate for gender equality in women's football. In a groundbreaking collaboration, they recently held a joint press conference to announce the launch of the "Usawa Mpirani" project. The initiative aims to address the challenges faced by women in football, including dispelling stereotypes and ensuring equal recognition for their contributions to the sport. Despite efforts by the national football federation, women's football continues to struggle due to limited resources and inadequate support. Through "Usawa Mpirani," RUFFO and Fountain Gate seek to break barriers and empower female footballers. The project includes educational workshops, economic empowerment programs, and leadership training, all aimed at enhancing the development of women's football in Tanzania. The collaboration between RUFFO and Fountain Gate underscores their commitment to promoting gender equality and creating a more inclusive football environment. It is hoped that this partnership will inspire other organizations to support women's football and pave the way for a brighter future for female athletes in Tanzania.
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