Breaking Period Poverty Barriers for a #PeriodFriendlyLesotho

 Statement by: Mr. James Nkemba Chifwelu, National Director, World Vision International Lesotho

As we joined the rest of the world in commemorating Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28th, 2024, we are reminded of the critical importance of addressing menstrual hygiene challenges and advocating for the rights and dignity of girls and women in Lesotho and worldwide.

In the spirit of this year's theme, "Putting an End to Period Poverty: Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld," we reflect on our collective responsibility to ensure that menstruation is no longer a barrier but a celebrated aspect of life for every girl and woman.

Overview of WVIL's Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Programme Impact

Allow me to paint a vivid picture of the transformative impact of World Vision’s Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Programme on menstrual hygiene in our communities.

Imagine a young girl named Lerato, whose daily routine of preparing for school was disrupted by the lack of access to clean water. On this particular day, she is on her period and worries that with so little water to take a bath, she is not clean enough. Without a sanitary towel, her self-confidence diminishes at the thought of using a cloth, leading her to decide, "I will not go to school until this nightmare is over."

But through World Vision’s interventions, Lerato and thousands like her now have access to safe drinking water from newly constructed water points, enabling her, her family, and the community to flourish. Today, young girls like Lerato need no longer worry about their hygiene during their periods because they have access to water, giving them the confidence to wake up and go to school.

Consider another girl, Palesa, who used to miss school every month due to the lack of adequate sanitation facilities in schools. She feared using the dilapidated toilets with no doors, worrying that her privacy would not be respected, even by boys.

Today, with the provision of sex-separated VIP latrines equipped with SHE bins for menstrual hygiene management, Palesa feels empowered to attend classes regularly, knowing she has a safe and dignified space to manage her menstruation.

These stories are not isolated incidents but represent the collective impact of World Vision's WASH Programme. Through our holistic approach to water supply, sanitation, and hygiene, we have reached thousands, providing them with the tools and resources they need to lead healthier and more dignified lives. To date, World Vision's interventions have achieved:

• 1429 water points constructed, providing access to basic drinking water services to about 85,950 people, including 37,391 females, 33,788 males, 7,071 girls, and 7,700 boys.
• 109 water points constructed in schools, benefiting 26,550 learners, including 13,055 girls and 13,495 boys.
• 2687 sanitation facilities constructed for households, benefiting 10,748 people, including 4,022 females, 3,592 males, 1,330 girls, and 1,804 boys.
• 87 schools provided with sanitation facilities, benefiting 30,450 learners with sex-separated latrines and SHE bins in every cubicle for menstrual hygiene management, along with some schools having disability-friendly toilets.
• Hygiene services extended to 526 schools, benefiting 187,454 students with handwashing facilities and hygiene education, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through rigorous data collection and analysis, we have identified the root causes of menstrual hygiene challenges and tailored our interventions to respond to them. Our partnerships with the Government, development partners, and educational institutions have been impactful, integrating menstrual health education into curricula and creating a supportive environment for young girls to learn and thrive.

Milestones Through Her Majesty the Queen's Engagement

Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso's engagement as World Vision Lesotho's Champion in child protection has been instrumental in advancing our mission. The development of a national menstrual hygiene strategy coordinated by UNFPA marks a crucial step forward in addressing menstrual health needs on a national scale. The support of private companies like the Vodacom Foundation in providing menstrual health and hygiene support to over 500 adolescent girls in 2023 underscores the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in tackling period poverty.

The remarkable reduction in the school dropout rate from 25% to 3.8% signifies the positive impact of our efforts in ensuring that girls have the opportunity to pursue their education without hindrance. The passing of a motion by Parliament regarding the development of a legal framework for the provision of free sanitary pads for girls represents a significant policy milestone that will help ensure access to menstrual products for all.

Moreover, the development of WASH in schools’ guidelines coordinated by UNICEF, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Water, and the Ministry of Education highlights the importance of integrating menstrual hygiene management into broader efforts to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure in schools.

Advocacy & Collaboration

Our journey has not been without challenges. From deep-rooted cultural taboos to limited access to resources, we have faced numerous obstacles. However, through advocacy and collaboration, we have found sustainable solutions. Every year, together with our partners and Her Majesty Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso, we commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day to celebrate the strides that Lesotho has made in ending period poverty and to continue raising awareness towards making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030. To date, we have reached over 17,650 learners with awareness campaigns on menstrual health issues.

At World Vision, we believe that by engaging children as change agents and challenging societal norms, we pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society where menstruation is no longer a taboo but a natural and celebrated part of life. Through our collective efforts, we are breaking down barriers, one taboo at a time, and creating a brighter future for girls.

Continued Commitment to SDG 6

As we look to the future, World Vision remains steadfast in its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 6. Through budget allocations, partnership engagements, and policy advocacy initiatives aimed at advancing SDG 6 targets, we will continue to work towards ensuring access to clean water, dignified sanitation, and hygiene facilities for all. We commit to advocating for access to sanitary products, providing clean running water, and functional gender and disability-inclusive toilets.

We will continue to educate communities to improve care for and support girls through safeguarding interventions. Together, we strive to achieve our vision of a #PeriodFriendlyLesotho.