Agya Gaaro has been awarded the 2026 Projects for Peace grant to implement her project, “Always Comfortable,” in Juba, South Sudan. As a Clinical Undergraduate Researcher at the University of Oklahoma, she is turning academic insight into practical impact by addressing menstrual health challenges that continue to affect the education and wellbeing of young women. The initiative is designed to expand access to knowledge, improve dignity and create economic opportunities, positioning it as a timely intervention in communities where stigma and lack of resources still limit progress.
The project comes at a time when many girls in South Sudan continue to miss school due to a lack of menstrual products and limited knowledge about how to use them. Cultural stigma and gaps in reproductive health education have left many young women navigating this stage of life without the support they need. By directly addressing these barriers, the initiative is expected to improve school attendance while strengthening confidence and participation among girls.
“I am honored to announce that I have been awarded the 2026 Projects for Peace grant to implement my project, ‘Always Comfortable,’ in Juba, South Sudan,” said Agya, emphasizing the significance of the moment. She described the initiative as more than a project, adding that “this is the story of South Sudanese girls and women,” reflecting both personal commitment and a broader mission to create change.
The program will work with 60 women and girls, providing menstrual health education, reproductive health awareness and hands on training to produce reusable menstrual and hygiene products. This approach not only addresses immediate needs but also introduces basic livelihood skills that can create income opportunities. It is a model that combines health education with economic empowerment, ensuring that participants leave with practical tools they can use beyond the duration of the project.
“Always Comfortable is a dream come true for the little girl in me who believed that every girl deserves the support to navigate life confidently and with pride,” Agya said. She noted that the initiative is closely tied to her academic journey, where she has been studying how different menstrual products impact women’s microbiomes. “This work is teaching me about women’s biology in a deeper way and equipping me to empower other women,” she added, pointing to the link between research and community impact.
Implementation of the project will rely on strong local collaboration. Agya will work alongside her childhood friend Sarah Faisal, her brother David Atutu Gaaro and a community school led by Pastor Nathan Bethuel. While she will coordinate the initiative remotely, the involvement of trusted individuals within the community is expected to strengthen delivery and ensure that the program remains grounded in local realities.
Beyond this initiative, Agya’s background reflects a strong blend of academic, research and practical experience. She is currently pursuing her degree at the University of Oklahoma while serving as a Maths Tutor at Capitol Hill High School through the Transformative Tutoring Initiative. In this role, she develops lesson plans, provides tailored algebra support and participates in professional development programs aimed at improving student outcomes.
She also contributes as an Undergraduate Research Assistant, focusing on designing functional molecules for applications in nanotechnology and biomedicine. Her previous experience includes consulting at the Irani Center for the Creation of Economic Wealth, where she worked on commercializing a therapeutic solution addressing antibiotic resistance, gaining experience in market analysis, business modeling and strategy development.
By combining education, research and community driven action, the “Always Comfortable” initiative represents a practical step toward addressing long standing challenges faced by women and girls in South Sudan. “Our goal is to break the silence, build confidence and empower women with the knowledge and tools to create healthier and more resilient communities,” Agya said, underscoring the broader vision behind the project.
