Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds - South Sudan

Results achieved at the end of the project (September 2023) include: (1) 16 534 girls received dignity kits which included sanitary pads underwear and soap to manage their periods; (2) constructed or rehabilitated water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in 35 schools including eight new women and disability-friendly latrines. These inclusive WASH facilities improve access dignity and safety for girls women and children with disabilities. As a result 54% of girls reported having the means to manage their period with access to soap water and privacy compared to 13% at the beginning. 41.92% of girls also reported increased support to manage their periods surpassing the target of 39% and noted a decrease in harassment by teachers and boys. The project also increased girls’ school attendance with only 35% reporting being absent in the last two weeks due to their menstruation compared to 75% in 2019; and (3) provided 190 communities and 38 schools with behaviour change communication messaging on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) such as early and forced marriage of girls. This enhanced the protection of girls from SGBV and other forms of violence in schools. It also decreased the occurrence of school-related violence by students of the opposing gender from 55% in 2019 to 25% in 2023. Adolescent women students also reported a reduced occurrence of violence by teachers from 57% to 42%. In addition girls boys and students with disabilities reported being more willing to report violence to teachers or staff. This project also raised awareness on procedures to report violence at school.