Girl Now Woman Later
Marietta
We work to break the cycle by empowering girls in Burkina Faso through menstrual health education. Every month, thousands of girls miss school because of their periods. We’re changing that one girl at a time.
Did you know that 90% of girls do not know what happened to them when they first menstruated?
In Burkina Faso an estimated 21% of girls are absent from school when they have their period, and 83% participate less in class because of shame.
We’re here to help girls navigate school and to learn to manage their periods. This is how:
Menstrual Health Education: We provide age-appropriate, culturally sensitive information to help girls understand their bodies and menstrual cycles.
Free Menstrual Kits: We provide access to essential hygiene products to reduce school absenteeism and promote dignity.
Community Engagement: We collaborate with local schools, families, and health workers to break taboos and foster supportive environments.
Youth Leadership & Advocacy: We provide opportunities for girls and volunteers to become ambassadors for menstrual health and gender equity.
*These figures come from UNICEF global databases (2025) and are consistent with findings from Amnesty International, which also reported that 52% of women aged 20–24 were married before 18 and 10% before 15 Forced and early marriage in Burkina Faso: the facts – Amnesty International
Programs
- Menstrual Health Education Workshops
- Free Menstrual Kits
- Community Engagement
girlnowwomanlater.org
