Women's Groups Promote Education, Hygiene for Karonga Secondary School Girls
The initiative aims to reduce school absenteeism among female students during menstruation while promoting hygiene awareness amid rising cholera cases in the district.
KARONGA, Malawi— The Forum for African Women Educationalists Malawi (FAWEMA) partnered with a local mother's group to donate reusable sanitary pads to more than 100 underprivileged students at Karonga Girls' Secondary School on Saturday, writes Lusekero Mhango.
The initiative aims to reduce school absenteeism among female students during menstruation while promoting hygiene awareness amid rising cholera cases in the district.
"Education is key to unlocking a brighter future for girls and contributing to the nation's development," said Florence Phiri, chairperson of FAWEMA's Karonga North Chapter.
"Menstruation is not a sickness; it's a natural part of a woman's life. Don't skip classes because of it."
The donation event included hygiene education sessions for the students. Gertrude Mwiwa, secretary of the Karonga Mother Group, emphasised preventive health measures.
"Healthy-related diseases like diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid, and dysentery can be prevented through cleanliness," Mwiwa said.
"By practicing good hygiene, you'll spend your time in classes, not hospitals."
School Head Teacher Chimwemwe Mithi welcomed the support.
"The donation of reusable pads will enable girls to stay in class during their periods, improving their educational outcomes," Mithi said.
"We call on stakeholders to continue supporting girls' education."