Studio Samuel Girls Academy is celebrating its tenth anniversary with the introduction of Yewer Abeba, a free menstrual health educational application developed by Ethiopian girls to tackle one of the primary reasons for school absenteeism among adolescent girls in the country. The application launches on October 11, 2025, aligning with International Day of the Girl and its theme emphasizing girls as change leaders. Yewer Abeba, meaning "Monthly Flower" in Amharic, represents an innovative approach to menstrual health education by placing creation and leadership directly in the hands of the girls it aims to serve.
One student from Studio Samuel Girls Academy shared her perspective, explaining how menstruation previously caused her to miss classes but now with Yewer Abeba she feels prepared and empowered to continue her education regularly. The application addresses a significant educational barrier in Ethiopia where menstrual health issues remain a leading cause of school absence among girls. Available for free download through Google Play starting October 11, Yewer Abeba reaches approximately 95% of mobile users in Ethiopia who utilize Android devices. The application features content available in Amharic, Tigrinya, Afaan Oromo, and English, ensuring cultural relevance and broad accessibility across Ethiopia's diverse communities.
The development process involved collaboration between Studio Samuel Girls Academy students and licensed medical professionals, with research support provided by Dr. Kathryn Geurts and Global Health students from Hamline University. Yewer Abeba includes practical features such as a period tracker, health resources, and a Kalkidan avatar based on the organization's menstrual health management ambassador. The application functions without requiring wifi after initial download and prioritizes user privacy by not collecting personal information, addressing concerns raised by parents and caregivers during the development phase.
Tamara Horton, Founder and Executive Director of Studio Samuel Girls Academy, emphasized the application's importance, noting that no girl should have her education disrupted by natural biological processes. The menstrual education application, created by girls for girls and developed with input from families and medical experts, places knowledge and dignity directly in users' hands. The application is powered by MakeADifference.tech and builds upon Studio Samuel's established model of combining education with health and skills training for sustainable empowerment. This student-led menstrual health initiative demonstrates how the organization continues to provide girls with tools to create lasting change for themselves and their communities.
