Third year update: From Bamiyan Back to Kabul

Building on Previous Success

Since its launch in September 2022, the Her Hygiene Project has been a vital initiative dedicated to addressing Afghan women and girls’ menstrual health and hygiene challenges. Over the past two years, the project has successfully reached and educated hundreds of women, fostering awareness, breaking taboos, and improving access to essential hygiene resources. In March 2025, the project completed the first phase of its third year, marking another milestone in its journey towards empowering Afghan women through education and support.

Returning to Kabul

Following the success of the Bamiyan phases, the third year of the Her Hygiene Project returned to Kabul with two carefully planned phases, building directly on lessons learned and community feedback.

Phase 3 in Kabul: Expanding Reach and Inclusivity

The first Kabul phase of the year focused on school-aged girls and young women, delivering age-appropriate education on menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, and emotional well-being. Special attention was given to participants with limited literacy through the use of visual tools, group discussions, and practical demonstrations. Safe learning environments and transportation support ensured inclusive participation.

Phase 4 in Kabul: Strengthening Community Impact

The second Kabul phase, conducted in December 2025 at a girls’ school, expanded participation to include teachers, midwives, and mothers, including pregnant women and those who had recently given birth. This multi-generational approach strengthened the project’s long-term impact by enabling knowledge to flow beyond the classroom into families, schools, and the wider community.

Across two intensive workshop days, participants received training on:

🔹 Menstrual hygiene and reproductive health
🔹 Infection prevention and stigma reduction
🔹 Mental health awareness and stress-management techniques, including breathing exercises, meditation, and emotional resilience practices

Participants received hygiene kits, learning materials, meals, and transportation support. Selected mothers also received baby hygiene supplies, distributed through safe and trusted channels to ensure dignity and security.

Safety, Dignity, and Trust at the Core

Across both Kabul phases, participant safety and dignity remained central. Workshops were held in trusted venues, distribution was carefully managed, and all activities were adapted to evolving security and social conditions. These measures ensured respectful participation while protecting both beneficiaries and staff.

Continuing the Journey

The third year of the Her Hygiene Project, spanning Bamiyan and Kabul, demonstrates that even in restrictive and fragile contexts, Afghan women and girls can thrive when provided with education, safe spaces, and compassionate support. By refining its approach and expanding community involvement, the project has strengthened both its reach and its sustainability.

With the completion of the Kabul phases, the Her Hygiene Project continues its commitment to:

🔹 Creating safe and trusted learning spaces
🔹 Equipping women and girls with critical health knowledge
🔹 Integrating mental well-being into health education
🔹 Challenging stigma around menstruation through dialogue and awareness