NGO promotes menstrual hygiene in primary schools

As one way of keeping girls in school, Malawi Girl Guides Association (Magga) is training mother care groups and youth mentors to sew reusable sanitary pads.

Speaking after a review meeting with mother care groups and youth mentors, Magga project coordinator Alinafe Mahimanya said it is unfortunate that a lot of girls continue to face challenges associated with menstrual hygiene.

He said the challenges are more prevalent among girls because of lack of proper care.

Magga is implementing the project in five traditional authorities of Maganga, Kambwiri, Ndindi, Pemba and Kambalame in Salima District.

“We are training mother care groups and youth mentors how to sew reusable sanitary pads and distribute them in different zones where they are coming from and giving them guidance on how to counsel girls on menstrual hygiene,” said Mahimanya.

He said girls should not miss classes because of menstruation.

Chipoka 2 Mother Care Group chairperson Emily Katema stressed the need of such trainings saying  reusable pads are a life saver to girls in villages.

“The disposable pads are not affordable to every girl in our villages; hence, these reusable pads are more effective. Some girls were missing classes during their menses and this is changing the situation,” she said.

Katema then urged mothers who hide information on menstruation to open up to their female children because times have changed.

A youth mentor from Ntika Primary School, Memory Jawadu, added that when parents are open it helps the girls to be open when it comes to asking about menstruation.

The mother care groups and youth mentors were also trained on how to make menstrual bracelets as a symbol that menstruation is something not to be embarrassed of.