Empowering Girls through Menstrual Hygiene Packs: 750 school girls receive packs in Manyinga and Mufumbwe districts
By Kelvin Simukondwi, WASH Development Facilitator, Zambia
In an effort to promote menstrual hygiene and girls’ education, World Vision Zambia has distributed Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) packs to 750 girls across 16 schools in Manyinga and Mufumbwe districts. This initiative is aimed at eradicating Menstrual poverty, which refers to the lack of access to affordable and hygienic menstrual products, education on menstrual health, and adequate sanitation facilities.
Girls in rural areas grapple with Menstrual poverty, which often leads to absenteeism and school dropouts. Through the packs, girls will manage their menstruation with dignity and confidence, ensuring they stay in school and continue their education.
The distribution saw 350 girls in Mufumbwe and 400 in Manyinga receiving the MHM packs. These packs contain essential supplies like reusable sanitary pads, soap, and other personal hygiene items. The goal is to provide a solution that allows girls to continue attending school during their menstrual periods without fear of embarrassment or discomfort.
During the handover event, the girls were excited and grateful. Queen, a 16-year-old Grade 9 pupil, shared how these packs would make a difference in her life and the lives of her classmates.
“Thank you, World Vision Zambia, for these beautiful packs,” Queen said, holding her pack. “I really appreciate this pack, as it will help me and all the girls in school. We usually feel shy, abscond school, or just feel sad whenever we are menstruating because of the stigma associated with it. But now, we can proudly wear them and attend school without worries.”
Queen’s words highlight the deep-rooted stigma surrounding menstruation, which forces many girls to stay away from school during their periods. This leads to missed lessons, a decline in academic performance, and in some cases, dropping out of school altogether. World Vision Zambia’s intervention is helping to break this cycle by giving girls the tools they need to manage their periods with confidence and without shame.
Similarly, Blessings, a 14-year-old Grade 7 pupil in Manyinga, expressed joy upon receiving her pack.
“We just heard of Menstrual Hygiene Management packs, and I thought I would have a chance to use modern menstrual kits, but now we have seen and have them . The pack's contents are everything that will make me love this pack,” Blessings said. “I will keep it safe and clean and use it to hygienically take care of myself.”
By addressing the challenges that menstruation can pose to a girl’s education, World Vision Zambia, through the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene programme, fosters an environment where girls can thrive and reach their full potential. The stigma associated with menstruation is gradually being dismantled, replaced by an empowered generation of young girls who can attend school uninterrupted and unafraid.
