Znz First Lady casts weight on menstrual hygiene campaigns

ZANZIBAR First Lady Maryam Mwinyi has appealed to companies, institutions and individuals to support the ongoing campaigns for creating awareness and raising funds for helping girls in schools manage their menstrual periods with a lot of hygiene.

Elaborating, she noted that many girls still miss classes because they cannot manage their monthly menstruations.

She made the plea on Sunday when participating at a jogging dubbed ‘Run for Binti’ organised by the Smile-for-Community organisation as part of activities to mark the 16 days of activism, ending on December 10, this year.

The jogging also included Ministers Nassor Ahmed Mazrui (Health),  Ms Riziki Pembe Juma (Gender), Mr Hamza Hassan Juma (policy); and Ms Tabia Maulid Mwita (Information).

“We cannot remain silent, let us join together to ensure all girls in urban and rural areas manage challenges including lack of menstruation kits. These challenges may also be contributing factors in Gender Based Violence,” the First Lady said in her speech.

In addition, she explained how the government has been improving the learning environment for all students, adding that soon a national programme will be launched advocating for the rights of girls and supporting them to address challenges in menstruation.

The Minister for Gender further promised to continue working closely with ‘Community for Health’ and other development partners to promote women and girls, and increase the fight against GBV which remains a problem in the community.

On her part, Ms Flora Njelekela, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the ‘Smile-for-Community’, said it was the first time for the campaign to be held in Zanzibar, adding that the funds raised will be used to educate girls, purchase and distribute menstrual kits (including reusable pads), which can be used for one-year, to support a total of 1000 girls in schools in the first phase.

“Let us join together to ensure that the challenges girls in schools face during menstruation are brought to a halt. Lack of pads, and unfriendly toilets should be addressed, because we can resolve these challenges,” Ms Njelekela emphasised, as the state minister (Policy), Mr Juma promised that no girl will drop out of school just because of menstruation health.”