Reusable pads for 400 schoolgirls

More than 400 girls from various schools in Kavango West will no longer be absent from school when they menstruate, after receiving free sanitary pads from Good Samaritans.Girls, especially those from poor backgrounds, cannot afford sanitary pads and miss approximately four days of school each month, which has a negative effect on their education. Apart from missing out on school, they also resort to harmful practices when they menstruate, which could compromise their health.This includes using mattresses, pillow stuffing, dried leaves and cotton cloths when they menstruate, simply because they cannot afford sanitary pads. The Esba Pendukeni Foundation, the Pinnacle Metropolitan Empowerment Trust, Gondwana Trust and Ann Pads visited Kavango West recently and donated hundreds of washable sanitary pads to the schoolgirls from the Kanuni Haruwodi, Nkurenkuru, Ncagcu and Ncamagoro combined schools. The washable pads have a lifespan of up to four years and is ideal for those who cannot afford disposable products. Speaking at the handover ceremony that took place at Ncagcu Combined School, Kavango West Region education director Teopolina Hamutumwa thanked the donors. “We recognise and appreciate the efforts of the different stakeholders and the private sector, who have indicated their willingness to embark on availing different sanitary products, which is a great assistance to our schoolgirls,” Hamutumwa said.Hamutumwa also used the opportunity to speak on the importance of developing policies to address the issue of the stigmatisation of girls and women when they menstruate, including myths and traditional beliefs that have no scientific backing. She also called on parents to show support when it comes to menstruation, by providing girls with sanitary pads.“We need to develop policies and guidelines that will do away with stigma and encourage school communities and the public at large not to shy away from menstruation, but rather approach it and handle it in a respectful manner,” she said. “We further request our dear parents to continue ensuring the continuous provision of sufficient sanitary pads to the girls.” Hamutumwa also advised boys and men to understand and respect the dignity of women. “To our young boys and men at large, menstruation is a normal process in a woman's life, which requires respect and privacy. It helps our young girls to thrive and grow into productive women, and into the future mothers of the nation. It therefore requires us to embrace it with dignity and respect. Stop shaming them for undergoing this normal life process,” she said. Ann Pads founder Hermine Bertolini spoke about the importance of sanitary pads and how they should be used.Bertolini said washable sanitary pads are meant for anyone and not simply for those from poor backgrounds. kenya@namibiansun.comKENYA KAMBOWE

Reusable pads for 400 schoolgirls

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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Reusable pads for 400 schoolgirls

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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