National News

Mwanza people challenged to keep girls in school

Mwanza district forestry officer Aida Mkwezalamba has advised communities in the district not to withdraw their girls from school during menses.

The official gave the advice on Saturday at Thawale Secondary School ground during commemorations of Menstrual Hygiene Day.

Some of the women during the event

Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) supported the event to sensitise chiefs, fathers and brothers to their responsibilities to support girls during menses.

Mkwezalamba said due to shortage of sanitary pads, menstruation has been a challenge to girls.

“Most parents in villages lack resources which lead to girls’ high absenteeism during menses. Parents should strive to provide reusable sanitary pads for girls to enjoy their right to education,” she said, advising boys not to mock girls during menses.

In an interview, MRCS community resilience project district coordinator Charles Nyirenda said they are committed to promoting menstrual hygiene as it falls under Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (Wash) component of the project.

“Our involvement enhances menstrual hygiene among girls to enable them excel in education,” he said.

One of the girls, a Form Two student at the school, cherished the event, saying it will reinstate their dignity.

“It is no longer a taboo to discuss menstruation issues. This has been a forum for males to understand our nature and realise their responsibilities,” she said. n

Related Articles

Back to top button