The deputy minister of health and social services, Ester Muinjangue, encourages schools to create a conducive environment for girls during their menstrual cycle.
Muinjangue was speaking at Eenhana in the Ohangwena region during the commemoration of the International Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day on Friday.
Muinjangue said Namibia’s Sustainable Development Goals can only be reached through the promotion of a healthy young generation.
“Menstruation has always been a factor hindering success among girls.
“A non-conducive environment . . . has resulted in girls missing five to six schooldays a month due to menstruation.
“Let’s ensure our schools are menstruation-friendly, and encourage younger girls to not be deterred from going to school by ensuring that our schools environment are equipped with available water and sanitation, as well as gender-segregated toilet facilities,” Muinjangue said.
The UNFPA’s country representative, Gift Malinga, has applauded the government for ensuring the functionality of multisectoral task forces, such as the national school health taskforce.
“Globally the evidence for action continues to grow to bring attention to challenges faced by schoolgirls around managing menstruation in educational settings that lack adequate physical environments and social support in low- and middle-income countries.
“The overarching vision is to ensure that girls have information, support and an enabling school environment for managing menstruation with dignity, safety and comfort,” Malinga said.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
