A Podcast, an Inspiration, a Movement: The Journey of Lizza Kawooya’s Dwona Initiative

A school teacher in Nwoya discreetly set aside part of her meagre salary and bought cotton cloths and soap for her 20 female students. Without a care for attention, Ms Mary Aciro continued doing what she felt would put her students at ease and not become a reason for them to drop out of school. But her efforts didn't go unnoticed.

Lizza Kawooya met her, saw her work, and shared it with the world through her podcast.

However, neither Ms Aciro nor Lizza saw the ripple effect manifesting through an outpouring of support. Together they reached 100 girls with reusable menstrual kits lasting 3 years.

For Lizza, this event was more than just a good memory. It marked the start of the Dwona Initiative.

Founded by Lizza Kawooya, Dwona (meaning “my voice") Initiative works to ensure girls don't have to choose between managing their periods and attending school.

Since its inception the initiative has reached 2,931 girls (772 girls annually). The initiative's core program is a classroom period-giving corner for emergency access, while its strongest resource is a first-period edubook named Rasbombie’s First Period—a journey to understanding.

The initiative's scale and reach were evident. The Girl-Centered Incubator (GCI), however, stepped into this equation to bring structure and strategic plans.

As a GCI fellow, Lizza learned to create functional policies and even began onboarding paid volunteers to further the mission.

Having been a part of Little Big Fund, Lizza sharpened her storytelling skills as well.

The most impactful shift, however, has been the girl-centred integration into the programme, which resulted in girls from the community co-designing the curriculum they would follow.

When Lizza explains, "No girl's voice should be interrupted by her periods," giving a platform to girls to vocalise their thoughts is only the beginning.