Crédit : Projet Yellen

As part of its commitment to transform gender inequalities in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for women and adolescent girls, the Yellen Project carried out the second and final phase of its distribution of reusable menstrual pads in six targeted high schools. This initiative aims to reduce school absenteeism among adolescent girls by providing them with appropriate tools to manage their menstrual hygiene with dignity and confidence.

A Large-Scale Distribution

The Yellen Project, in collaboration with local and school authorities in the Kayes region of Mali, provided technical support for the development of a reusable pad model and subsidized the local production of 10,000 units. Each high school girl received a kit of pads. In total, 5,070 reusable menstrual pads were distributed across six educational institutions: Bafoulabé, Diéma, Nioro, Yélimané high schools, the Nioro Teacher Training Institute (IFM), and the Sanéba Sakiliba School Complex in Mahina. This second phase completes a first distribution held in February 2024, during which 4,940 pads had been distributed.

Crédit : Projet Yellen

SRHR Awareness-Raising Sessions

In addition to the distribution of menstrual pads, the project organized awareness sessions in the six schools, reaching over 1,000 participants, including 430 girls. These sessions addressed topics such as menstrual hygiene, puberty, managing menstrual pain, and family planning. The discussions responded to many of the girls' questions about their menstrual cycle, including premenstrual signs, irregular cycles, and fertility. The adolescent girls expressed their satisfaction, saying they now felt better informed and more comfortable discussing subjects that are often considered taboo. They also highlighted the ecological and economic advantages of the reusable products.

Responding to a Public Health Issue

This initiative was launched following the findings of a study conducted in 2022 by a public health student from the School of Public Health of the Université de Montréal (ESPUM), during an internship with USI. The study revealed the challenges faced by adolescent girls in managing their menstrual hygiene safely and with dignity at school. These included the lack of adequate facilities, health risks, and limited information, which perpetuates taboos and the stigmatization of girls. As a result, many girls miss school during their periods, and some drop out entirely. The Yellen Project is based on the premise that increasing the decision-making power of women and adolescent girls over their health will lead to a greater demand for quality sexual and reproductive health services, including for gender-based violence (GBV) and family planning (FP).
By improving their knowledge of SRHR, the Yellen Project contributes to the empowerment of women and girls through access to education and helps reduce gender inequalities, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future for the entire Malian population.

The Yellen Project – Rights and Innovation in Sexual and Reproductive Health in the Kayes Region of Mali – is a bilateral cooperation initiative between the governments of Mali and Canada. It is implemented by a Canadian consortium composed of the Unité de santé internationale of the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (USI – CHUM) and the Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI). The Yellen Project is financially supported by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.

Testimonial from Awa Bah, a student at the Nioro Teacher Training Institute