Whitney Nakanjako: Triple WellBeing in Rural Uganda

From Stories of Triple WellBeing by ThoughtBox Education

November 19, 2025 · 51 min · Season 2 · Episode 6

About this episode

Whitney Nakanjako shares her journey of addressing period poverty and empowering girls through education in rural Uganda.

Whitney’s story is one of determination and deep compassion. Growing up and then working in Uganda, she saw first-hand how poverty, inequality and limited access to education could hold back entire communities. That experience shaped her purpose: to create opportunities for others, especially girls, to thrive through education and self-belief. A trained social worker, Whitney has worked across mental health, community development and education, helping children in some of Uganda’s most underserved areas return to school and rediscover their confidence. Through the Triple WellBeing Fellowship, Whitney turned her focus toward one of the most pressing barriers facing girls in education: period poverty. Her action research explored how menstrual stigma and lack of access to sanitary products prevent girls from attending school and how open conversation, creativity and community solutions can change that. She introduced workshops that taught girls to make reusable sanitary pads, blending practical learning with empowerment, health awareness and environmental care. Now pursuing a master’s in International Development and Economics at the University of San Francisco, Whitney continues…

People in this episode

Guest: Whitney Nakanjako

Topics covered

education
gender equality
period poverty
community development
mental health

Keywords

Triple WellBeing
menstrual stigma
sanitary products
reusable pads
reproductive health

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of San Francisco

Places: Uganda