On Friday, May 8, 2026, the Rotary Club of Colombo City and the Rotaract Club of Kandy joined forces at Kosgama Maha Vidyalaya, Panwila to combat period poverty and dismantle the societal stigma surrounding menstrual health. This sustainable joint initiative aimed to empower young women from three rural schools: Kosgama Maha Vidyalaya, Gomara Janapada KV , and Baddegama MV . Key Pillars of Execution Expert Education & Overcoming Stigma Expert Facilitation:Ms. Filomina from YWCA Sri Lanka led a comprehensive educational session, normalising conversations around menstrual hygiene management and period poverty. Navigating the Shyness: Recognising that many rural students felt incredibly shy and uncomfortable with the topic, the team introduced an anonymous Q&A session . This allowed the girls to ask private questions freely without any embarrassment or fear of judgment. The project’s central objective was to area of Focus Strategic Objective Combating Period Poverty To provide 50 young women from three rural schools: Kosgama Maha Vidyalaya, Gomara Janapada KV, and Baddegama MV, with 100,000 LKR worth of reusable sanitary napkins to secure a practical, long-term hygienic solution. Breaking the Stigma To dismantle cultural taboos and misconceptions surrounding menstrual health in rural communities through professional, open, and comfortable guidance.Providing Safe Spaces To address the intense shyness and discomfort of the students by implementing an anonymous Q&A session , allowing them to seek vital health answers completely free of embarrassment. Ensuring Sustainabili ty To introduce eco-friendly alternatives from Momiji Naturals and deliver comprehensive instruction on proper product maintenance, laying the groundwork for an annual, recurring joint initiative recognised by the Rotary Service Centre. Immediate Access to Safe Hygiene: Provided 50 young women from rural schools with premium reusable sanitary napkins, immediately removing the financial and physical burden of sourcing disposable alternatives.
