South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
In South Sudan’s capital, Juba, a quiet crisis is unfolding in classrooms. Many girls are missing critical days of learning each month, not due to illness or disinterest, but because the cost of sanitary pads is too high. For these students, menstruation means lost education and a cycle of disadvantage that is hard to break.
Rebecca Ayak, a 17-year-old pupil from Holy Family Nursery and Primary School in Juba, stands out with freshly cut short hair and a quiet confidence as she discusses the challenges faced by many schoolgirls across the country. Though it is a topic that often goes unspoken, it significantly impacts their education.
Rebecca not only stands out for her striking appearance but also for her bravery in addressing a sensitive and often taboo subject for women and girls in South Sudan.
She states that menstruation is a primary factor affecting the education of many young girls whose parents cannot afford to buy sanitary pads.
Menstruation
Many female students often miss school when they are on their period because they lack the resources to manage their menstrual cycles.
“We cannot afford these sanitary pads because some of us come from poor families,” Rebecca said. “When you are on your period, it makes it hard because people look at you differently. If you make a mistake and stain, boys will laugh and call you names.”
Rebecca explains that her peers are hesitant to discuss menstruation due to cultural norms, which is why she has chosen to speak out: to let others know they are not alone.
“I speak about this because I realised many young girls are suffering in silence, yet it affects them.”
According to a 2024 report by UNICEF South Sudan, limited access to menstrual hygiene management products and facilities in schools is one of the leading reasons for the increasing levels of school absenteeism and drop-out rates among adolescent girls—issues that significantly affect their health and education.
Although Rebecca continues to attend school during her period, she still struggles to afford sanitary pads and sometimes resorts to using cloths or handkerchiefs to manage her cycle.
A pack of menstrual pads in Juba costs between 5,000 and 7,000 South Sudanese Pounds, a price far beyond the reach of impoverished families.
“I call on the government to exempt schoolgirls from purchasing sanitary products or to reduce the prices to help keep girls in school,” she urged.
In addition to the emotional stress of managing their menstrual cycles, girls also face shame and ridicule from their male classmates.
Emmanuel Juma, a fellow student, admitted to contributing to the stigma surrounding menstruation.
“To be honest, I have made fun of girls after seeing their clothes stained because I didn’t know we were increasing the stigma. Now that I know, I will no longer make fun of them.”
According to a report from UNFPA, the price of sanitary pads in South Sudan remains prohibitively high due to widespread poverty. Of the country’s 13 million people, approximately 10.6 million—over 82%—live on less than $1.90 per day. Taxes on disposable pads have only worsened the situation for low-income households.
A local vendor at Juba’s Custom Market, Laku Johnny, expressed frustration over the multiple taxes imposed in Juba.
“The issue of prices is a big problem here. Every day we pay taxes to different parts of the government. This is not our fault; we need to make profits and still pay those taxes.”
Although dignity kits have been supplied in the past by international NGOs, including UNFPA, such aid is now in short supply as global assistance declines.
Central Equatoria State Chairperson of Chamber of commerce Robert Pitia
The Chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce in Central Equatoria State, Robert Pitia, acknowledged the issue and called for government intervention.
“Taxes are the major issue that push traders to increase prices in the markets,” he said. “All prices are high, including sanitary pads, but we are working on a policy to regulate them.”
A teacher at Holy Family Nursery and Primary School, Tabu Konsole, spoke about the emotional toll on young girls.
Teacher Tabu Konsole during the interview
“Menstruation is a natural process, but for these kids, especially those experiencing it for the first time, it can be frightening,” she said. “Some cry, some feel out of place, and many skip classes because they’re afraid to talk to their parents or guardians who may not understand.”
Konsole emphasised the importance of reproductive health education and support:
“Luckily, our pupils are well-informed. We have a well-stocked school with sanitary equipment, and we take the time to talk to the girls, so they know how to handle it. That makes a big difference,” she concluded.
The school provides sanitary products to those whose menstruation starts at school, giving only one piece for that day; they do not provide additional supplies on subsequent days.
This story is reported with a grant from Journalists for Human Rights under the ‘Tackling Mis/Disinformation Project,’ funded by the Peace and Stabilisation Programme of the Government of Canada.
