At dawn on Friday, February 12, as much of Kigali was just beginning its day, Rosine Bazongere tightened the straps of her backpack and set off on foot, determined to walk 160 kilometres for a cause she believes cannot wait.

The actress, community advocate and founder of Her Dignity campaign, Bazongere is trekking from Kigali to Nyagatare in a four-day journey aimed at raising awareness and mobilising support for girls who cannot afford essential menstrual hygiene products.

For many girls in rural communities, the lack of sanitary pads means missing classes several days each month, says Bazongere. and this is a silent setback that gradually erodes confidence and academic performance.

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She plans to conclude the walk on Sunday, February 15, when she celebrates her 31st birthday.

On Thursday, she set off from Nyandungu and stretched 46.3 kilometres to Rwamagana District. By mid-day on Friday, she had already covered another 25 kilometres, passing through Kayonza and Gahini, maintaining a steady pace in spite of the heat.

"This is not about distance, it is about action. Every step I take is for a girl who might otherwise be left behind," Bazongere told The New Times team, who walked with her from Gahini on Friday.

"What may look like an endurance challenge is, in reality, a statement of solidarity, a physical demonstration that the fight for menstrual dignity demands persistence, visibility and collective effort,” she said.

She said the walk should not be just symbolic but also an opportunity for people to show support and help raise funds.

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Bazongere is targeting at least 2,000 girls through the initiative that seeks to buy reusable menstrual hygiene kits alongside educating girls on on menstrual health and reproductive health.

Such a kit costs about Rwf 6,000 and can last up to two years, offering a sustainable solution for schoolgirls who would otherwise be at a disadvantage during their periods.

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"It’s not just about pads, it’s about knowledge, empowerment and giving girls the confidence to stay in school,” she said.

For Bazongere, walking is both her favourite sport and her chosen tool for advocacy.

"It keeps me physically healthy, but it also gives me time to think, plan and connect with the communities we serve,” she added.

On her journey Bazongere pauses to rehydrate and grab a snack she carries along with water to maintain energy. She also stops briefly to greet locals and exchange stories.

"The campaign isn’t easy. The weather, the exhaustion, and the sheer distance are challenging. Yesterday it rained heavily, today the sun is intense. But the impact we are making keeps me going. Even walking alone, I feel the support of those who join me for stretches on the journey or contribute in other ways.”

We walk together for change

Bazongere, who began the journey with a friend and another supporter who later joined her from Kayonza but could not continue, says the campaign thrives on collective effort, no matter how little that may seem.

"Even Rwf500 helps. If you can’t give money, share the message. Awareness is as important as resources. Together, we can reach more girls,” she said.

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Her Dignity campaign builds on years of hands-on community work. Since 2018, Bazongere has worked with teen mothers and vulnerable girls, providing education, therapy and skills training aimed at helping them regain confidence and direction.

"We were teaching girls to protect themselves, to understand their bodies, and to continue their education without interruption,” she explained, adding that it is part of a long-term vision.

"This is about empowering girls to remain confident, healthy and focused on their studies. It is for our society. Every girl we support today is a future leader tomorrow,” she added.

As 160-kilometre trek continues, Bazongere invites the public to join her in their capabilities. By Friday evening, she had covered about 100 kilometres.

"You don’t need to walk the whole distance. Even a kilometre with me is helping. We walk together for change,” she urges.