By Joyce Chipfupi (Youth Facilitator) Nyakuchena Youth Centre.
In rural areas, girls face numerous challenges in purchasing or accessing sanitary products due to geographical barriers and lack of resources. The ZNFPC Nyakuchena Youth Centre is working to address this issue by distributing sanitary wear to school girls and promoting hygiene.
Hygiene is one of the most important values among school children. Awareness campaigns have been conducted in various schools to educate both boys and girls about hygiene and menstrual health management. The youth-friendly centre successfully distributed sanitary pads to girls in need. It is crucial to discuss menstrual health issues with both boys and girls, as this helps boys appreciate the challenges girls face and encourages them to become supportive allies.
There is a notable information gap among boys during these presentations; facilitators have observed that boys often react with laughter or shyness when discussing these topics. Effective menstrual health management for school children is essential to reduce absenteeism related to menstruation. Girls are educated on how to manage their menstruation, which helps reduce stigma and embarrassment. They are encouraged to dispose of sanitary pads properly, especially in Blair toilets.
Providing affordable or free sanitary pads can significantly help girls to manage their menstruation. Both boys and girls are urged to bath and change their clothing regularly to maintain good hygiene. After washing their underwear, students are encouraged to dry them in direct sunlight to prevent bacterial infections. Effective menstrual health management is vital for promoting the health, dignity and education of individuals, particularly girls. Offering free services in schools will likely increase the uptake of these services among students, especially girls.