“Our potential is not a negotiation” said Monica Prudence, the founder and Executive director at Her Worth Foundation, more than a leader, Monica is a formidable girl child rights’ activist and a dynamic force for change in Gulu City. Her unwavering dedication to empowering underprivileged girls stems from a deep personal understanding of their struggles and an unshakeable belief in every girl’s inherent worth.

The Foundation’s genesis in 2021 was a courageous, direct response to the devastating surge in teenage pregnancies following the COVID-19 pandemic. ‘As a university student at the time, i recognized that poverty, often intertwined with the lack of menstrual hygiene resources, trapped girls in cycles of vulnerability’ This ignited her mission: to provide not just immediate relief, but comprehensive, long-term solutions that champion every aspect of a girl’s well-being. “We are deeply committed to ensuring no girl is left behind in our pursuit of empowerment.” Prudence continued, “this is where the power of proper menstrual health management becomes a cornerstone of empowerment, ensuring girls can remain in school, dignified and confident.”

Monica Prudence, The Director Her Worth Foundation Empower School going Girls and Boys on Menstrual Health and Danger of Stigma on Girls.

With a strong leadership, Her Worth Foundation champions vital initiatives that transcend basic provision. We focus on transformative menstrual health management to shatter stigma and significantly reduce school absenteeism. Our innovative approach includes the local production and distribution of eco-friendly, reusable pads, fostering sustainable solutions and teaching girls’ invaluable self-sufficiency skills. Crucial mentorship and life skills training cultivate self-worth, self-awareness, and confidence, empowering girls to make informed decisions about their lives and bodies. Monica’s advocacy extends from community grassroots to national policy, where she is a fervent voice for accountability, pushing for sustainable government programs that prioritize menstrual hygiene and reduce reliance on external funding.

The impact of their work is profound and measurable. Thousands of girls have gained access to essential products and training, demonstrating enhanced self-confidence and a significant reduction in school absenteeism. Pivotal events like the Annual Menstrual Hygiene Run in Gulu City amplify awareness and actively confront teenage pregnancy, further cementing our belief that our potential is not a negotiation.

Hon. Member of Parliament for Gulu City, Betty Aol Ocan attending Gulu Menstrual Run Organized by Her Worth Foundation.

Her Worth Foundation is dedicated to forging a brighter future for underprivileged girls and women by championing education, reproductive health, and capacity-building. Our mission is to uplift every girl by enhancing her self-worth, improving her education, and securing better health outcomes. ‘We envision a world where every girl possesses the confidence, resources, and opportunities to achieve her full potential’, said Dr. Annah Oyat, (co-founder) This vision perfectly aligned with our commitment to gender equity, youth empowerment, and sustainable development. Our core values—equity, integrity, sustainability, and community-centricity—are woven into every program, from prioritizing the most vulnerable and transparent reporting to fostering long-term impact through reusable products and deep community engagement, Dr. Annah believes that ‘comprehensive approach to community engagement, from dialogues to peer educators, is critical to building lasting trust with the community’.

The Menstrual Hygiene Run that Happens Yearly Attract Participants from all Over the Country.

Their program impact is meticulously measurable. “In 2024, we distributed over 2,000 reusable pads across three counties, resulting in a remarkable 32% reduction in menstrual-related absenteeism in our partner schools. Over 30 school outreaches successfully reached 12,000 girls, with an inspiring 87% reporting increased self-confidence post-program”. Currently active in Northern and parts of Eastern Uganda, Her worth foundation is set for an exciting pilot extension into rural Uganda in 2025, driven by the conviction that our potential is not a negotiation. Her Worth Foundation ensures robust transparency through annual impact reports and accessible financial summaries. our financial health is fortified by a diverse funding model, including individual donations, grants, a social enterprise selling reusable pads, and successful crowdfunding. We maintain a 6-month operating cost reserve fund and prioritize sustainability through local pad production and diversified revenue, ensuring our long-term impact.

Happy and Trained Community Girls who are School drop out with their Menstrual Product from Her Worth Foundation. 

Her worth foundation boasts a strong history of impactful collaborations with organizations like UNFPA, the Swedish Embassy, and Period Talk Uganda, leading to co-hosted campaigns and the integration of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) curriculum. Our collaboration philosophy seeks value-aligned partners offering technical, financial, or logistical support, clearly defined by MOUs. We engage our community through WhatsApp updates, social media, and vital community dialogues, securing buy-in from local leaders and leveraging peer educators to build trust.

Despite navigating challenges like supply chain disruptions impacting pad material costs, pervasive stigma around menstruation, and limited digital M&E tools, Her Worth Foundation is boldly advancing its strategic plans for 2025-2027. “We aim to expand our reach nationwide, establish two regional pad production hubs, and pilot a mobile health education app specifically for teenagers, all while growing our annual budget to $150,000. We are actively seeking partnerships in digital health, WASH infrastructure, mental health, climate change advocacy (gender-related), and fundraising expertise”. Prudence concluded, As a legally registered organization, they ensures full accountability, because for Her Worth Foundation? “Our Potential is Not a Negotiation!!”