Sri Lanka Red Cross Society Signs MoU with Fems by Hemas and United Communities to Promote Menstrual Health Education in Schools

In a significant step towards enhancing menstrual health awareness and empowering young people across Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS), in partnership with Fems by Hemas and United Communities, has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a nationwide menstrual health education initiative in schools.

This collaborative effort aims to address one of the most persistent yet under-discussed health and social issues affecting adolescent girls menstrual health management. Despite being a natural biological process, menstruation is often surrounded by stigma, misinformation, and lack of proper facilities, particularly in schools. This new partnership seeks to change that narrative.

The project will focus on the following key objectives:

✅ Educating both girls and boys about menstrual health to foster understanding, inclusivity, and mutual respect.
✅ Creating safe spaces within schools for students to engage in open and honest discussions about menstruation.
✅ Promoting dignity and equality by normalizing conversations around periods and ensuring menstrual hygiene is recognized as a fundamental aspect of health and education.

The awareness sessions will be carried out across various schools island-wide, ensuring that children from diverse backgrounds receive accurate information and are better equipped to manage menstrual hygiene in a safe and dignified manner.

By tackling the stigma and breaking down barriers to menstrual health education, this initiative underscores the shared commitment of SLRCS, Fems by Hemas, and United Communities to safeguarding the health, rights, and futures of young girls across the country.

“No girl should be held back from her education or daily life because of menstruation. As the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, we are fully committed to this initiative. We will continue to support this programme and advocate for stronger systems that uplift and empower girls across the country. Through this initiative, we are taking a vital step towards ensuring dignity, equality, and opportunity for all,” said Mrs. Ganga Kariyawasam, Head of Programmes of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, during the MoU signing ceremony.

Together, we are working to create a future where menstruation is no longer a barrier but a subject of knowledge, confidence, and empowerment.