Turkish envoy to Uganda marks Women's Day with stress on essential hygiene products

Türkiye's ambassador to Uganda marked International Women's Day on Saturday with stress on women and girls' essential hygiene in the East African country

Fatih Ak spoke at an event where Türkiye's state aid agency TIKA donated equipment used to make reusable sanitary pads to support young women pursuing economic independence and ease their access to essential hygiene products.

The equipment, including sewing and overlock machines, was donated to Msichana Uganda, a non-profit group striving to empower young girls and women.

“As we celebrate International Women's Day, we are delighted to mark another successful project under the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) here in Uganda,” said the ambassador. “Development cooperation is a vital pillar of the strong and multifaceted relationship between our two countries, and we take great pride in our shared commitment to progress.”

"Since the early 2000s, TIKA has completed 94 projects in Uganda, leaving a lasting impact on various communities. Alongside TIKA, Turkish NGOs have been actively engaged in humanitarian and development initiatives across the country," he added.

"With this latest initiative, we are proud to support Msichana Uganda in its mission to improve the quality of life for women. We sincerely hope that the machinery and equipment provided today by TIKA will enable the organization to provide support even more Ugandan women,” Ak explained.

Türkiye was one of the first countries to grant women fundamental rights including the right to vote in 1934, ahead of several European nations, including France, Italy, and Greece, which did the same only decades later.

Murat Cetin, the country coordinator for TIKA, said the equipment will create employment opportunities for young women and enhance hygiene awareness.

“TIKA has contributed five sewing machines and two overlock machines together with a significant amount of specialized washable nano-technology fabrics to meet hygiene standards capable of contributing to the production of reusable essential hygiene products,” he said.

Winnie Nakandi, the director for Msichana Uganda, thanked the Turkish people for their generosity and highlighted the importance of empowering women as an essential cornerstone for justice and social prosperity.

"We remain steadfast in our struggle to support underprivileged girls and women to access reusable pads and as well render their contributions visible across all sectors," she said.

Reusable sanitary pads are alternative period products to disposable pads, which often prove too expensive for low-income earners.