At the Jollie Udada Foundation, we are committed to empowering women and girls, especially those who face unique challenges. Our mission to create an inclusive, supportive environment for all women is embodied in our Udada Thamani Yangu program—a vital initiative aimed at empowering young women and girls with disabilities, especially those entering puberty, by providing them with essential education on reproductive health, growth, and development.

This program was founded by Janeth John Tutula, a passionate advocate for women with disabilities. Janeth, a young woman with a hearing impairment (deaf), recognized a significant gap in the education and healthcare services available to girls with disabilities. Through her work in Special Education, she discovered that many girls and young women with disabilities lacked vital reproductive health education, particularly due to cultural misconceptions, false beliefs, and negative attitudes towards them.

To address this critical issue, Janeth launched the Udada Thamani Yangu program in 2021, with the goal of empowering these young women by providing accurate health education while also advocating for self-care, dignity, and recognition of their rights.

The Problem: A Lack of Education and Awareness

Janeth’s personal experiences and professional journey highlighted a serious concern: the lack of access to crucial reproductive health education for girls with disabilities. Cultural beliefs and stigmatization often lead to the exclusion of these young women from education about puberty and menstrual health. This leads to misunderstandings, poor health outcomes, and the neglect of their basic rights as individuals.

Janeth observed that many young women with disabilities, particularly those who are deaf or have other communication barriers, are often invisible when it comes to health education. Traditional customs and false beliefs about disabilities exacerbate this issue, leaving these girls without proper care, support, and the knowledge they need to thrive.

The Solution: Udada Thamani Yangu

The program focuses on educating young women and girls with disabilities about reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, and personal rights. Through this initiative, Janeth has been able to provide critical education to girls in schools for children with disabilities, as well as through media platforms and social networks.

The program is designed to empower these young women by:

• Teaching them about their bodies, healthcare, and self-care.
• Raising awareness about menstrual health, including how to manage menstruation safely and comfortably.
• Educating them about human rights, so they understand their rights to proper healthcare, education, and social inclusion.

The Success of Udada Thamani Yangu

Since its inception in 2021, the Udada Thamani Yangu program has seen significant progress. Janeth’s tireless efforts have reached many young women and girls in schools, media outlets, and online platforms. To date, the program has made a remarkable impact:

• 67% of the participants—young women and girls with disabilities—have reported an increased understanding of self-care practices and are now more confident in managing their menstrual health.
• Through the program, they have gained a better understanding of their rights, which has fostered a sense of empowerment and personal autonomy.
• Janeth has built a supportive community where girls feel seen, heard, and valued.

Why It Matters to Jollie Udada Foundation

The Udada Thamani Yangu program perfectly aligns with our core mission at Jollie Udada Foundation: empowering women and girls. This program embodies our commitment to creating inclusive health education that transcends barriers, ensuring that every girl and woman, regardless of ability, has access to the knowledge and resources necessary to live a healthy and empowered life.

By supporting the Udada Thamani Yangu program, we are not just offering educational resources—we are fostering a movement of empowerment for women with disabilities, advocating for their rights, and ensuring they have the tools to take control of their health and well-being.

Get Involved with Udada Thamani Yangu

We invite you to join us in supporting this incredible program. Your involvement can make a tangible difference in the lives of young women and girls with disabilities by helping to expand the reach of Udada Thamani Yangu and empowering them with the knowledge they need to thrive.

• Donate: Your contributions will help us expand the program and provide educational materials, healthcare supplies, and advocacy efforts for women with disabilities.
• Volunteer: Get involved by offering your time, expertise, or resources to help spread awareness and educate girls in your community.
• Spread the Word: Share our mission and the success of Udada Thamani Yangu with your networks to amplify the impact.

By joining forces with the Udada Thamani Yangu program, we can continue to create a world where all women and girls, regardless of ability, can access the information, education, and empowerment they deserve.