Commitment to menstrual hygiene in Tanzania: How the “Malkia Huru” project empowers girls

What is the name of the project?

Camilius: The project is called Malkia Huru under the Natalia Foundation, which translates to “Free Queen” in Swahili. This name symbolizes freedom, dignity, and empowerment for girls and young women. We chose this name because menstruation should not imprison girls in fear, silence, or shame. Instead, every girl deserves the opportunity to move confidently through her education and life – just like a queen who is free, valued, and respected.

How and why did the project come about?

Camilius : The project was born out of the urgent reality that menstrual poverty continues to hold back thousands of girls in Tanzania. Research and our own community observations revealed:

• Many girls are still unable to afford sanitary pads and resort to unsafe alternatives like rags, tissue paper, or even leaves.
• Between 30% and 48% of schoolgirls in Tanzania miss classes during menstruation because of lack of pads, poor WASH facilities, or stigma. This translates to losing up to 20% of the school year.
• Schools often lack clean, private toilets with water and disposal facilities, making it nearly impossible for girls to manage their periods with dignity.
• Menstruation remains a taboo subject, and girls often receive inaccurate or incomplete information from peers, leading to confusion and low self-esteem.

We realized that without targeted intervention, girls would continue dropping out of school and being denied opportunities. That is why Malkia Huru was created to ensure menstruation does not become a barrier to education, dignity, or equal rights.

Why did you personally decide to get involved in this particular project?

Camilius : I chose to get involved in Malkia Huru because this issue is very close to my heart. As a youth activist and social worker, I have worked with schools and communities and witnessed firsthand how menstruation affects girls’ lives. I have seen bright girls stay home from school, miss exams, or even drop out simply because they lacked pads or feared being teased. Personally, I believe no girl should be punished for something natural. Menstruation should not limit a girl’s dreams. By joining this project, I am contributing to breaking barriers of stigma and inequality, while giving girls the confidence and resources they need to thrive. F

Who is participating in your educational project? Is the educational work only for girls and women?

Camilius: The project directly targets adolescent girls aged 12–18 years in public schools. They are the main beneficiaries, receiving sanitary pads, education, and safe spaces for open discussions. We also involve boys because they are often the source of stigma. By educating them, we create allies who respect and support girls. Teachers are trained to become Ambassadors, supporting school clubs and providing accurate guidance.

How is the project financed?

Camilius: The project is financed through member contributions from team members and supporters and fundraising through social media platforms and networks. We are also building partnerships with public schools to reduce costs and increase reach.

What difficulties or obstacles did you encounter in the project?

Camilius: We face two major challenges:

1. Myths and taboos: Menstruation is still surrounded by secrecy, shame, and negative cultural beliefs. In some communities, girls are told they are unclean, cannot cook, or must isolate themselves during their period.
2. Insufficient funds: The need is much greater than the resources we have. Many schools request our support, but due to financial limitations, we can only work in a few schools at a time. This limits our ability to reach every girl who needs help..

Despite these challenges, the enthusiasm of the girls, teachers, and communities keeps us moving forward.

How did the project influence your decision to do weltwärts in Germany?

Camilius: I’m a social worker and youth activist driven by a deep belief in fairness and the power of young voices. I’m committed to supporting underrepresented young people and creating spaces where they feel heard, valued, and empowered. This commitment has motivated me to seek opportunities that deepen my understanding of social challenges in a global context. My volunteer work in Europe has also played a meaningful role in shaping my perspective. It inspired me to engage more with international programs and initiatives focused on strengthening youth empowerment and promoting inclusive communities.