Empowering Through Knowledge: A Safe and Inclusive Implementation Model

Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, women and girls have become the most vulnerable segment of the population, facing increasing restrictions on education, mobility, and access to health information. In response, the Her Hygiene Project was launched to empower girls with knowledge about menstrual health, personal hygiene, and self-care—critical topics that are often neglected or considered taboo.

The project was implemented in four three-month cycles, with each phase including one intensive month of training. In every cycle, we targeted 50 women and girls who had been excluded from school or university, came from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, or were living with disabilities.

To ensure participant safety and compliance with local restrictions, all training sessions were conducted in secure and protected locations. This approach allowed us to provide a safe learning environment where women and girls could gather, learn, and speak freely.

• Procurement of hygiene materials and kits
• Development of culturally appropriate educational content
• Preparation of a secure venue for training
• Careful selection of participants
• Delivery of interactive, engaging training sessions
• Documentation and reporting of outcomes

This thoughtful and adaptive methodology allowed the project to reach those most in need—despite the many challenges—and helped create a supportive community centered on dignity, health, and empowerment.
While our methodology allowed us to reach vulnerable communities safely, the deeper impact lies in what this project represents for women’s health, rights, and dignity in Afghanistan.

From Awareness to Action

The Her Hygiene Project was born out of a pressing need—to address the silent crisis surrounding women’s health and dignity in Afghanistan. With millions of women and girls excluded from schools, healthcare, and public life, basic knowledge about menstrual hygiene and access to sanitary resources remain out of reach for many.

A 2020 UNICEF report highlighted that the majority of Afghan households—especially in rural areas—lack handwashing facilities and hygiene essentials like soap and clean water. Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, restrictions on women’s education and public presence have further deepened this crisis.

The consequences are severe: limited hygiene knowledge, increased illness, and a lack of trained female healthcare workers for future generations. Cultural taboos, poverty, early marriage, and gender-based violence continue to silence women and girls, making menstrual health a hidden but urgent issue.

The Her Hygiene Project tackled these challenges head-on—educating hundreds of women and girls, distributing hygiene kits, and creating a space where menstruation could be discussed without shame. We focused on building awareness, fostering open dialogue, and providing practical support to those excluded from formal education.

But our mission goes beyond hygiene.

We aim to challenge harmful gender norms, empower women through knowledge, and advocate for equal access to healthcare and education. From fighting stigma to providing soap and sanitary pads, every step is a move toward dignity, resilience, and hope.

This is just the beginning. By transforming awareness into action, we’re laying the foundation for a healthier, more empowered generation of Afghan women.