Windhoek, Namibia – In a significant gesture of support for vulnerable adolescent girls, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Embassy of Japan in Namibia have donated sanitary pads valued at over N$220,000. This initiative aims to benefit 6,000 girls across six Namibian regions: Kunene, Ohangwena, Omusati, Zambezi, Erongo, and Khomas.
The donation was celebrated during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Health and Social Services head office on 29 July 2024, where Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture, Anna Nghipondoka, emphasized the critical role of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in improving girls' education and societal participation.
Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Hon. Anna Nghipondoka, lauded the initiative during a ceremony at the Ministry of Health and Social Services on 29 July 2024. "This donation is a significant step towards addressing the challenges girls face due to period poverty," she stated. "It will help ensure that menstruation doesn't become a barrier to education and full participation in society."
The 2021 Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) Situation Assessment reveals that while 97.1% of girls attend school during menstruation, 14.2% of them miss school because of menstrual challenges. The most common reasons for absenteeism include menstrual pain (52.2%), fear of staining clothes, and discomfort (17.4%). Issues such as lack of access to sanitary products and proper facilities also contribute to this absenteeism.
Japan's Ambassador to Namibia, H.E. Mr. Hisao Nishimaki, praised the partnership with UNFPA, highlighting Japan’s long-standing commitment to addressing health needs in vulnerable communities. "Japan's dedication to gender equality and women's empowerment is reflected in our support for this project," said Nishimaki. "Our development cooperation policy emphasizes advancing women's rights, combating gender-based violence, and ensuring equality in leadership. Japan remains committed to these values, and our support for UNFPA underscores this commitment."
The donation is part of the broader "Leaving No One Behind" project, funded by the Government of Japan, which aims to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) issues across Namibia. The project, which began in 2022 with an allocation of USD 700,000, focuses on three main areas: livelihood support, life skills and mental health, and essential SRH and GBV prevention and response.
In addition to the sanitary pads, the project has also provided medical equipment and a Mobile Clinic Van, valued at N$3.8 million, to enhance health services in the target regions.
UNFPA’s Representative in Namibia, Erika Goldson, underscored the significance of the sanitary pad donation. "Ensuring access to menstrual hygiene products is crucial for maintaining the dignity and well-being of girls," Goldson said. "Our collaboration with Japan through the 'Leaving No One Behind' project helps address both immediate needs and long-term goals of gender equality and health."
The ongoing support through this project represents a crucial step in Namibia’s recovery and development efforts, building a more inclusive and resilient society in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
