MICGBV Provides Dignity Kits to Keep Malawian Girls in School
The African Day has been commemorated annually since 1991, honoring the 1976 Soweto youth uprising in South Africa.
LILONGWE, Malawi- To commemorate this year's African Day of the Child, the Malawi Irish Consortium on Gender Based Violence is partnering with a local non-profit to distribute reusable sanitary pads and hygiene items to girls in rural community schools, aiming to reduce absenteeism during menstruation, writes Tionge Hara.
Under the theme "Education for all children in Africa: the time is now," the Malawi Irish Consortium on Gender Based Violence intends to provide 'dignity kits' containing reusable pads, underwear and soap to secondary schools in Lilongwe, Mchinji, Dedza, Balaka and Mulanje districts.
Poor menstrual health management remains a major barrier to girls' education across Africa. A UNESCO study found one in 10 girls in sub-Saharan Africa miss school during their periods due to lack of sanitary products and stigma.
"Girls within these schools will receive locally made reusable sanitary pads, underwear and soap so they can manage their period safely each month, maintain their sexual health and reduce school absences," the consortium said in a statement ahead of June 16's African Child Day.
The dignity kits worth 10 million Malawian kwacha ($9,800) will be distributed in partnership with Grace Pads, a non-profit dedicated to "unlocking the potential within every woman and child" by providing affordable menstrual products.
While school enrollment has increased in Africa, the continent has not met targets for universal education, with high dropout rates. UNESCO reports 20% of children aged 6-11, 30% aged 12-14 and 60% aged 15-17 are out of school.
The African Day has been commemorated annually since 1991, honoring the 1976 Soweto youth uprising in South Africa.
This year highlights the importance of removing barriers to keep girls in classrooms.