First Lady Flags Off Distribution of 730,000 Pads
By Ruth Mwale- First Lady Esther Lungu has advised schools countrywide to make use of the guidelines put in place by the Ministry of General Education on menstrual hygiene.
Mrs. Lungu says poor menstrual hygiene management at times hinders the girl child from regularly attending classes and contributes to dropouts, absenteeism or poor performance.
She said this when she flagged off the distribution of 730,000 sanitary towels to all provinces donated by the DAIO corporation of Japan.
Mrs. Lungu thanked DAIO corporation through JICA for the contribution, stating that the donation will help the girl child stay in school and attain an education.
And General Education Minister Dennis Wanchinga said Government, working with its partners, continues to provide a conducive environment that promotes the girl child’s education, health and wellbeing.
Dr. Wanchinga said menstrual hygiene management is one of the many interventions that Government has put in place to ensure learners have a conducive environment that will enable the girl child to attend school on a regular basis.
Meanwhile, Japan’s Ambassador to Zambia Muzuuchi Ryuta said his Government remains committed to contributing to efforts towards achieving sustainable development, of which education is key.
Mr. Ryuta said the donation by DAIO will enhance the chance of girls pursuing education by reducing the burden of the family.
AND Ministry of General Education Permanent Secretary Jobbicks Kalumba appealed to all headteachers countrywide to ensure sanitary towels reach the intended adolescents in schools.
Dr. Kalumba also thanked the first lady for her commitment towards improving the welfare of the girl child, stating that she is a champion in the fight against early child marriages and Gender Based Violence.
And Maureen Jere, a pupil at Kabulonga girls, thanked Government and all stakeholders for the continued support in enhancing the girl child’s wellbeing and further called on stakeholders to join in helping support the cause.