RUFFO Supports Menstrual Hygiene Day 2023, Empowering Girls to Stay in School
June 28, 2023


Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - On Menstrual Hygiene Day 2023, RUFFO visited Kerezange Secondary School as part of its "HedhiYangu" project, which aims to support girls in staying in school during their menstrual cycles by providing sanitary pads.

Menstrual Hygiene Day, celebrated annually on May 28th, is an important global advocacy platform that promotes good menstrual hygiene management for all women and girls. It aims to break the silence surrounding menstruation and raise awareness about the challenges faced by girls and women during their menstrual cycles.



Recognizing the significance of this day, RUFFO took action to empower girls at Kerezange Secondary School by providing them with sanitary pads. This initiative is part of RUFFO's ongoing commitment to support girls' education and ensure that they can fully participate in school activities, regardless of their menstrual cycle.


Menstruation is a natural and healthy process, yet it continues to be a topic shrouded in stigma and secrecy. Many girls face challenges during their periods, including limited access to sanitary products, inadequate sanitation facilities, and a lack of information about menstrual hygiene. These challenges often lead to absenteeism from school, negatively impacting girls' educational opportunities and overall well-being.New Paragraph



By providing sanitary pads to the girls at Kerezange Secondary School, RUFFO aims to address some of these barriers and create a supportive environment for girls to continue their education uninterrupted. Access to sanitary pads ensures that girls can manage their periods with dignity, comfort, and confidence, enabling them to focus on their studies and fully participate in school activities.


"Menstrual Hygiene Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene, and to support girls in overcoming the challenges they face," said a representative from RUFFO. "Through our 'HedhiYangu' project, we aim to empower girls to stay in school and provide them with the necessary resources to manage their periods effectively."


RUFFO believes that education is a fundamental right for all children, including girls, and that no girl should be held back by her menstrual cycle. By supporting girls' menstrual hygiene needs, RUFFO is working towards breaking the barriers that hinder girls' education and promoting gender equality.


The visit to Kerezange Secondary School was met with gratitude and appreciation from the students, teachers, and school administration. The girls expressed their enthusiasm and relief, knowing that they now have access to the necessary sanitary products to navigate their menstrual cycles comfortably.


RUFFO remains committed to advocating for menstrual health and hygiene, not only on Menstrual Hygiene Day but throughout the year. Through partnerships with schools, communities, and stakeholders, RUFFO strives to create a supportive environment where girls can embrace their natural bodily processes without fear or shame.


As we commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day 2023, RUFFO calls upon all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the private sector, to prioritize menstrual hygiene management and ensure that all girls have access to the necessary resources and support to manage their periods with dignity and confidence.


Together, we can break the silence, challenge the stigma, and empower girls to reach their full potential, regardless of their menstrual cycle. Let us work towards a future where menstrual hygiene is not a barrier but an enabler for girls' education and overall well-being.New Paragraph

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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