H.E.R Foundation powered by Fems and Teejay Lanka to drive change in menstrual health and hygiene advocacy

Building on an ongoing initiative, the H.E.R Foundation powered by Fems, in partnership with Teejay Lanka PLC, recently coordinated a menstrual health and hygiene education programme at Ruwanwella Royal College, Ruwanwella. The programme combined much-needed sanitation infrastructure development with comprehensive menstrual health education, aimed at empowering schoolgirls and normalising conversations around menstrual health.

As part of the partnership, Teejay Lanka undertook and fully funded the development of sanitation facilities within the school premises, while the H.E.R Foundation focused on awareness and education. Together, the initiative addresses one of the most pressing challenges faced by schoolgirls, the lack of proper washroom facilities and access to accurate menstrual health information, which often leads to absenteeism during menstruation.

The H.E.R Foundation, initiated by Fems, operates on the core pillars of Help, Empower, and Rise, and is at the forefront of breaking menstrual health taboos in Sri Lanka. To date, the Foundation has educated over 300,000 women and girls through impactful sessions conducted in factories, plantations, universities, schools, and prisons across the country.

At Ruwanwella Royal College, following the ceremonial opening of the new washroom facility, approximately 400 students and parents participated in two dedicated menstrual health and hygiene awareness sessions facilitated by a midwifery-qualified nursing officer. The student session focused on understanding the menstrual cycle, maintaining proper hygiene, and addressing myths and stigma in a safe and open environment. The session for parents emphasised the importance of open communication, accurate information, and supportive home environments to help girls manage menstruation with confidence and dignity.

These education sessions are a central component of the initiative, reinforcing menstrual health and hygiene as a shared responsibility between schools, families, and communities. By engaging both students and parents, the programme aims to create a lasting, generational impact that extends beyond the classroom into homes and society at large.

With the latest facility opening at Ruwanwella Royal College, the initiative now spans several schools, including Gurugalla Kanishta Vidyalaya, Gurugalla; Kahanawita Kanishta Vidyalaya, Kahanawita; Ruwanwella Rajasinghe Central College, Ruwanwella; and Paradeniya Primary School.

Commenting on the initiative, Sachini Gamage, General Manager – Marketing, Feminine Hygiene, Hemas Consumer Brands, said, “The completion of the washroom facility by Teejay Lanka is a proud milestone. Through the H.E.R Foundation, Fems continues to promote awareness, access, and acceptance to build a healthier, more informed society. This partnership reflects our commitment to empowering communities with knowledge and supporting girls to manage menstruation with dignity and confidence.”

Keshini Perera, Deputy General Manager – Legal, Corporate Communications & CSR, Teejay Lanka, added, “Partnering with the H.E.R Foundation allows us to create sustainable impact by investing in both infrastructure and people. The completion of this facility demonstrates the strength of meaningful collaboration and our shared commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of young women.”