REHOBOTH, Namibia - In a collective effort to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene management, the Government of Namibia, in partnership with the United Nations, hosted the seventh national commemoration of Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day on 28 May 2024.
Held at Origo Primary School in Rehoboth under the theme "Together For a Period Friendly World," the event aimed to promote dialogue, education, and action towards normalizing menstruation, ensuring access to menstrual hygiene products, and empowering individuals with accurate information about menstrual health and hygiene.
Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Esther Muinjangue, highlighted concerning statistics revealing that many girls miss school due to inadequate toilet facilities during their menstrual cycles. According to Muinjangue, a 2014 Wash Needs Assessment Report by the Society for Family Health indicated that only 29% of schools have flush toilets, 28% of girls use facilities not segregated from boys', and 51% lack essential provisions like handwashing stations with soap, water, and bins for safe pad disposal.
Muinjangue emphasized that girls often feel shy and stressed during menstruation, leading many to stay home if they lack proper facilities, sanitary products, and information to manage their menstruation with dignity. She also underscored that menstruation remains taboo in some Namibian cultural groups, associated with uncleanness and shame.
Every girl deserves dignified, safe, and private facilities and sanitary products to ensure hygiene and confidence to remain productive during menstruation.
“Within these cultural settings, women and girls are silenced during menstruation, and parents often feel uncomfortable sharing information with their growing children,” Muinjangue noted. “When girls lack adequate sanitation facilities, face challenges obtaining sanitary pads, and confront discriminatory social taboos, they are deprived of opportunities to participate fully and comfortably in school, play, or other social activities. Every girl deserves dignified, safe, and private facilities and sanitary products to ensure hygiene and confidence to remain productive during menstruation,” she added.
Speaking on behalf of the United Nations family in Namibia, Ms. Erika Goldson, the UNFPA Namibia Representative, emphasized that menstrual health is a human rights issue, asserting that everyone has the right to bodily autonomy. She stated, "The ability to care for one’s body while menstruating is essential to this fundamental freedom. Yet, hundreds of millions lack access to menstrual hygiene products and adequate facilities."
Ms. Goldson urged collective action to break the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation, sustaining dialogue to empower every girl and woman to embrace their bodies and status proudly. “Our intentions should be specific, measurable and resulting in a decline in the current realities and reform the Namibia society of all inequities.”
Miss Namibia 2023, Jameela Uiras, called on young girls and women to prioritize their health and maintain cleanliness, emphasizing that menstrual hygiene is a basic right.
We must openly support each other.
“When we talk about menstruation, it often feels like a taboo subject, but it’s a natural part of life worldwide. There’s no need to be ashamed or embarrassed about it. We must openly support each other,” she affirmed.
Camisha Einbeck, Head Girl of Rehoboth High School (RHS) 2023 and junior council member, as well as the reigning Miss RHS, encouraged girls not to view menstruation as a burden.
"Menstruation shows how wonderfully God has made females. It demonstrates your strength and uniqueness. Embrace it and know that you are strong," Einbeck encouraged.
She also appealed to boys to refrain from teasing or mocking girls during menstruation and instead to offer their support.
“I know accidents can happen at school, like a girl staining her dress. I urge others not to make fun of her. Let's be a strong and compassionate youth community that looks out for each other. In such times, be the boy who covers her up and suggests going to the life skills teacher. Boys, let’s stand up and support our sisters,” Einbeck concluded.
