‘My Period is Awesome’ campaign launched

WINDHOEK, SEPT. 13 – Women’s Action for Development (WAD) on Wednesday launched the ‘My Period is Awesome’ campaign aimed at establishing a more positive perception of menstruation.
The project is funded to the tune of N$1 million by the Wise Economy Global Association through Forum Syd of Sweden. It will afford WAD the capacity to facilitate the training of life skills teachers, professional staff of the Ministry of Health and Social Services and school-going girls and boys about menstrual hygiene management and sexual reproductive health and rights.
Speaking at the launch here, WAD’s retired founding executive director, Veronica de Klerk said the majority of rural school girls miss school each month due to a lack of sanitary pads, adding that in some culture settings women and girls are forced into seclusion during menstruation.
She further noted that women and girls in Namibia who live in poverty do not always have access to sanitary products and are forced to make use of unsanitary and ineffective materials which can introduce diseases and infections.
“Some parents do not feel comfortable sharing information with their children about menstruation,” De Klerk said.
At the same occasion, Ministry of Health and Social Services Deputy Minister, Juliet Kavetuna said menstruation in many societies is discussed in hushed tones, a ripple effect leading to young girls being forced out of school because they cannot deal with it.
“We have to ensure that those who cannot afford pads are not kept away from school due to infections by ensuring menstrual hygiene management,” she said.
Kavetuna added that it is important to educate, promote and create youth-friendly clubs and corners at schools to discuss youth matters. – NAMPA