Türkiye’s ambassador to Uganda, Fatih Ak, marked International Women’s Day by emphasizing the importance of access to essential hygiene products for women and girls in the East African nation.
Speaking at a special event, Ambassador Ak highlighted Türkiye’s commitment to supporting women’s well-being, as Türkiye’s state aid agency, TIKA, donated equipment to aid the production of reusable sanitary pads. The donation, which included sewing and overlock machines, was given to Msichana Uganda, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young women.
“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we are pleased to support another impactful initiative through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA),” said Ak. “Development cooperation is a key pillar of our strong ties with Uganda, and we are proud of our shared commitment to progress.”
Since the early 2000s, TIKA has implemented 94 projects across Uganda, contributing to various humanitarian and development efforts. Ak expressed hope that the latest initiative would further Msichana Uganda’s mission to enhance women’s quality of life.
Murat Cetin, TIKA’s country coordinator, noted that the equipment donation, including five sewing machines, two overlock machines, and specialized washable nano-technology fabrics, would not only improve hygiene but also create employment opportunities for young women.
Winnie Nakandi, director of Msichana Uganda, expressed gratitude to the Turkish government and people, emphasizing the importance of empowering women for social and economic development.
“We remain committed to supporting underprivileged girls and women by ensuring access to reusable pads and making their contributions more visible in all sectors,” Nakandi stated.
Reusable sanitary pads offer a sustainable alternative to disposable ones, which often remain out of reach for low-income individuals.
Türkiye has a long history of championing women’s rights, having granted women the right to vote in 1934—well ahead of several European nations, including France, Italy, and Greece.