Voices that inspire change

The Heart of IWEHA

On September 02, 2025 the Initiative for Women's Equity in Health Access (IWEHA) conducted its very first community outreach in Shyira Sector, Nyabihu District, under the theme "Her Health, Her Dignity: Understanding and Managing Menstruation with Confidence."

The event marked a milestone for IWEHA, bringing our mission to life: ensuring that women and girls, especially those in underserved communities, have equitable access to health information and resources. Our vision is to see every girl and woman empowered with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their health.

A Campaign Rooted in Dignity and Confidence

The campaign aimed to equip adolescent girls with accurate, age-appropriate knowledge on menstrual health, dismantle harmful myths around the subject, and empower them to navigate their period with dignity and confidence. Our intial goal was to reach 130 girls between the ages of 12–22, but at the end of the day, we had welcomed 118 participants, a reminder of how immense the need is for such initiatives. Accordingly, we had community educators with backgrounds of training on sexual and reproductive health lead the session.

Building Knowledge Through Active Engagement

The day began with welcoming remarks, an introduction to IWEHA's mission and vision, noting how the seeds in each youth, equipping them with knowledge, foster growth. The session continued a lively and interactive Q&A facilitated by IWEHA's YouTube Channel "Menstrual Cycle with Grace Discussions" and the discussions on proper pad use and menstrual cycle.

Myths Meet Facts

One of the most impactful sessions was the myth-busting game, where girls voiced common myths and misconceptions about menstruation. These included statements such as the ones quoted above. This exercise opened up a remarkably candid conversation about how deeply rooted these beliefs are — and how much harm they cause. Girls, some visibly moved, expressed relief in learning that none of these myths are true. The facilitators replaced each myth with clear, medically accurate information, creating a powerful "aha" moment across the room.

This was a turning point: the girls no longer felt alone in their confusion, and they began to see that their experiences were shared — and manageable — with the right knowledge.

118 Ambassadors of Confidence and Dignity

The change started to show at the end: the girls began asking thoughtful questions about menstruation and reproductive health, questions they may have been too afraid or too embarrassed to ask before. It was a solid start. Beyond numbers, this outreach created a safe space for dialogue and gave girls the confidence to talk about menstruation openly, replacing shame with dignity. Most importantly, it reinforced the power of awareness: often, after knowing the correct information, girls make informed decisions about their health and bodies, thus growing with confidence and ready to contribute to their personal growth and community well-being.

This Is Just the Beginning

The day closed with a powerful message of encouragement: "Periods are normal. You are powerful. You are not alone." The event left girls more aware, more ready, and equipped with knowledge and confidence to be better colleagues in school, and contributors at home, and ambassadors of sexual and reproductive health.

This is the first of many steps IWEHA will take to ensure that no girl in Rwanda is left without the knowledge and support she needs to thrive.

Is severe menstrual pain normal?

The answer is: Not always. For many women and girls, intense period pain may be a sign of endometriosis, a chronic but often overlooked condition. Currently, endometriosis affect around 10% (190 million) of reproductive age women worldwide (WHO, 2025). Its prevalence in Africa is underreported due to limited access to diagnostic materials and the myth that it is less prevalent among African women (Mecha et al., 2022). This significantly contributes to diagnostic delays, thus exacerbating its long-term impact among the affected.

March is the annual endometriosis awareness month; IWEHA is committed to contributing to its awareness to help those affected from suffering.

What is Endometriosis?

A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus

• A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus
• Commonly affects:
  

  Commonly affected areas

  • Ovaries
  • Fallopian tubes
  • Pelvic lining. Although it can also affect the abdominal cavity and the chest.
• This tissue responds to menstrual hormones → leading to:
  • Inflammation
  • Scarring
  • Significant pain

Why It Matters

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age globally

• Affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age globally
• Often takes years to diagnose
• Frequently misunderstood or dismissed as “normal period pain”
• Can impact:
  • Education and work
  • Mental health
  • Fertility

Common Symptoms

• Severe menstrual cramps (not relieved by usual painkillers)
• Chronic pelvic or lower back pain even after the periods
• Pain during or after sex
• Pain during urination or bowel movements (especially during periods)
• Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
• Difficulty getting pregnant

Note: Symptoms vary (some may have severe pain, others mild or different signs)

When to Seek Help

• ain that disrupts daily life (school, work, normal activities)
• Menstrual pain that gets worse over time
• Persistent pelvic pain outside of periods
• Difficulty conceiving

Diagnosis & Management

• Diagnosis may include:
  • Medical history and physical examination
  • Imaging (e.g., ultrasound)
  • Laparoscopy (minor surgical procedure)
• Management options:
  • Pain relief medications
  • Hormonal treatments
  • Surgical care (in some cases)

While there is no cure yet, symptoms can be effectively managed.

The biggest challenge is that severe menstrual pain is often perceived as normal in many communities. This delays early diagnosis, leaving many women to suffer in silence while the pain limits their daily lives, including work and sexual activity.

You and I can help break this cycle of suffering by raising awareness about endometriosis.

At IWEHA, we believe no woman or girl should suffer in silence. Let’s raise awareness, challenge stigma, and ensure that period pain is taken seriously.