Joining hands to protect girls

On April 15th, the outreach teams of St. Mary Hospital and the Integrated Mother and Child Health program of Cabrini Ministries Ethiopia, visited Korke Doge Primary school for a joint event to raise awareness about female genital mutilations (FGM) and menstural health.

The event reached 91 adolescent girls from grades 5 to 8, providing them with essential health education and hygiene resources.

A primary focus of the training was raising awareness about female genital mutilation (FGM). Facilitators, provided education on the horrific nature of the practice, explaining its different types and the severe physical and psychological consequences, such as chronic pain, complications during childbirth, and depression. Crucially, the session taught the girls that FGM is not a religious requirement or a necessary form of purification, encouraging them to protect their bodies and their futures.

Abyssinia Akalu, Cabrini Ministries’ FGM peer educator explaining about FGM

The program also addressed menstrual health and hygiene, topics often overlooked or hidden in silence. Alemtsehay Leulseged, a Health Officer from St. Mary’s Hospital, provided clear demonstrations on how to use and manage menstrual hygiene kits. She emphasized that girls should not miss school or drop out due to a lack of hygiene supplies. To provide tangible support, the teams distributed menstrual hygiene kits and educational flyers as a sign of commitment to the girls' dignity and care.

Girls attending demonstration after receiving menstrual kits

The success of the day was celebrated by community leaders and organizers alike. Sr. Maureen, MSC Novice, expressed her joy in seeing the care and support given to the girls, while Meskerem Gebre, CME Community Coordinator, thanked St. Mary’s Hospital for their material support and noted that this collaboration will continue to grow stronger. On behalf of the students, the school director expressed deep gratitude, stating that such programs have a significant positive impact on adolescent girls and should be strengthened in the future.

School directors addressing the participants

By planting these seeds of change, the outreach teams hope to build a future in the Wolayta Zone where young women are educated, healthy, and free from harmful traditional practices.