Student Leaders Are Educating Their Peers & Changing Mindsets!

**Bethlehem Admasu, 13 year old Trainee & Peer-Educator from Mudula Primary School**

“Before WEEMA’s trainings, I had no confidence to come to school during my period so I used to skip school 5 to 7 days each month, but after WEEMA started providing disposable pads and underwear and started peer-to-peer discussion sessions, I am very happy and come to school every day and even my academic performance has improved. I rank 2nd in my class of 75 students now.”

Bethlehem Admasu, 13 year old, Mudula Primary School

Bethlehem is a Peer Leader at her school and is helping to change mindsets on topics such as Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) and Sexual and Reproductive Health.

This past January, the WEEMA team conducted training for 150 peer educators at Buho and Mudula Primary and Middle Schools. These girls and boys are now trained on issues such as menstruation, and sexual and reproductive health which has incredible impact in rural communities of Ethiopia where such topics are not discussed openly. The general stigma around these issues has severe consequences including girls skipping school during their periods, discrimination and bullying from their male peers, and lack of awareness and knowledge of reproductive health issues.

Now, these young boys and girls have a safe space and guidance to learn and explore previously taboo topics. They are also learning how to share this knowledge with their peers to destigmatize the conversation.

Your support for this program means girls miss less school days so they achieve more academically!