Ex-Minister advocates for joint efforts in Menstrual Hygiene Management

Lusaka, Thursday (May 30, 2024) 

MEDIA STATEMENT 

Immediate Past Minister of Information and Media, Chushi Kasanda, has emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the Government to tackle the challenges associated with Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM).

Ms Kasanda, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Chisamba, highlighted the critical role of lawmakers in fostering an environment where menstruation is normalized, allowing young girls to manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence.

She said this during the commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day in Lusaka under the theme ‘Together for a Period Friendly World’ sponsored by the Water Voices United project.

The Water Voices United is a transformative four-year project, co-funded by the European Union and Danish People’s Aid and spearheaded by SNV in partnership with the NGO WASH Forum. This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities and synergies among WASH Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Zambia. By fostering the CSOs role in WASH governance, the project supports the Zambian Government’s efforts towards the progressive realization of the Human Right to Water and Sanitation. Together, we are not just aiming for change; we are ensuring a sustainable and equitable future where access to clean water and safe sanitation becomes a reality for all.

“We must unite to elevate awareness, educating not only girls but also boys, to foster a comprehensive understanding of menstruation,” Ms. Kasanda stated.

Addressing cultural barriers, Ms. Kasanda pointed out the traditional taboo surrounding open discussions of menstruation in African societies, which often hinders girls from seeking guidance from their parents upon reaching puberty.

She underscored the need for strategic partnerships with the Ministry of Education to ensure that menstrual hygiene is adequately addressed in educational settings, preventing situations where girls may feel embarrassed or unable to attend school during their menstrual cycle. Ms Kasanda further advocated for collaboration with the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, citing the essential requirement of accessible water sources for menstrual hygiene, particularly in rural areas where some residents travel up to seventeen kilometres to obtain water.

Acknowledging the recent increase in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from 1.6 Million to 30.6 Million Kwacha by President Hakainde Hichilema, Ms Kasanda called for additional resources to construct educational and healthcare facilities. She encouraged NGOs to lobby for more boreholes in schools, which would significantly aid in maintaining hygiene standards and reducing absenteeism among girls.

This is contained in a statement issued by Zambia NGO WASH Forum National Coordinator Bubala Muyovwe-Mumba.