Youth Group Cites Knowledge Gap on Menstrual Hygiene in Malawi
The youth group remains committed to advancing discussions around empowering women and girls in Malawi.
Blantyre, Malawi - The Afrika Youth Movement (AYM) has found that a lack of awareness on menstrual health issues poses a major challenge in promoting good hygiene practices in Malawi, writes Meclina Chirwa.
During briefing sessions held this month in Chiradzulu, Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu, AYM representative Victoria Yurwe said they conducted the outreach to enhance knowledge and advocacy around menstrual hygiene and its link to girls' education.
"Through these discussions, we revealed that knowledge gaps among boys and girls on menstrual issues, coupled with cultural norms, attitudes and perceptions, affect the promotion of proper hygiene management," Yurwe stated.
The briefings also presented findings from IREX's recent report on menstrual health and hygiene support for girls in school.
One participant, Lucy M'baya, called for collaborative efforts to address the challenges.
"There is need for stakeholders to work together to increase awareness on this important health topic," she said.
As sustainable development organizations worldwide recognize education and health as interconnected goals, AYM hopes raising awareness will boost hygiene practices and girls' participation in school.
The youth group remains committed to advancing discussions around empowering women and girls in Malawi.