Stories of #GoodChange
Tackling Period Poverty in Bangladesh
Better Life for Girls 2026
In Bangladesh, menstruation is still a taboo topic. Most girls are not taught about their periods before they start menstruating, and many do not understand what is happening to their bodies. As a result, girls often feel shame, fear and confusion during adolescence.
In addition, at many schools in remote and rural areas, girls lack access to safe and private sanitation facilities, clean water and menstrual health products.
These largely hidden issues cause barriers to their education, as girls often skip school during their periods, missing up to 50 days of school each year.
IN PHOTO: One of the Adolescent Corners established in Bangladesh
Making a Better Life for Girls in Rural Schools
Since 2024, Good Neighbours Australia has worked with Good Neighbors Bangladesh to implement its Better Life for Girls program in remote and rural schools, distributing more than 3,000 Days for Girls Australia washable menstrual health kits to students and holding education sessions to strengthen their understanding of menstrual and reproductive health.
In addition, four Adolescent Corners have been constructed in rural schools, made possible through the generous contributions of Australian donors. These dedicated facilities provide girls with a safe space to access clean water, private toilets, waste disposal bins, a place to rest if they need to lie down, and extra menstrual health products for emergency use.
Program Expansion in 2026
In 2026 Good Neighbours Australia is supporting Good Neighbors Bangladesh to expand the program in remote and rural communities, to equip and empower more than 5,000 girls with washable menstrual health kits and information, further breaking down barriers to school attendance.
A school in the Moulvibazar District of Bangladesh has also been prioritised for an Adolescent Corner construction project. As girls at the school have to share toilet facilities with boys, they lack privacy. They also lack access to sanitary disposal bins and clean water, resulting in poor hygiene practices and increased absenteeism from class during their periods.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Consider giving a recurring donation today and support girls to dream of a brighter tomorrow.Visit https://gnau.kindful.com/ or learn more about the program at the Better Life for Girls page.
Help make a Better Life for Girls. That’s what good neighbours are for.
