In the heart of Kisenyi, a beacon of hope emerged in 2020 - the Menstruation Station. Born from the vision of BWEN, previously known as The Wellbeing Foundation, this sanctuary was conceived during community outreaches in 2018. Amidst the bustling streets and vibrant life, we found a need for a safe haven to discuss menstrual health and sexual and reproductive rights.

The Menstruation Station is a facility for us-all; it’s a vibrant community hub. It’s a place where individuals, especially those from below the margins, come together to reflect on life and community challenges. Together, they co-design solutions, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Here, locals of all ages and genders gather to craft reusable pads, immerse in dance sessions, learn to read and write, and engage in our unique period-themed board games and puzzles. They access not only menstrual hygiene products but also engage in enlightening education sessions on sexual and reproductive health and rights.

The station also offers a variety of free life skills workshops, including art and crafts, a mini-fashion and design course, and other skilling courses. These workshops provide a platform for creativity and personal growth, all free of charge for the community.

We’ve dedicated a special corner of our station, “The Safe Space”, to foster open discussions on taboo subjects, explore opportunities, and devise solutions. The focus is on the rights holders, encouraging them to share their stories, sparking conversations that we listen to with rapt attention.

The station has also reached out to the Somali urban refugee community in Uganda, often deemed “hard to reach” with SRHR matters. We’ve welcomed fathers and daughters, sometimes fathers alone, who wanted to ensure a nurturing environment for their daughters. The station has been met with approval, providing an engaging outlet in their daily lives.

The Menstruation Station is more than just a place; it’s a movement, a revolution aimed at dismantling inequality and giving a voice to the unheard.