Girl child learners in Dedza have asked authorities to consider distributing free sanitary pads in schools.
Speaking during the interface between girls, young women, Members of Parliament and government officials, the girl children urged stakeholders to address challenges affecting them in schools.
Among the other issues, an increase in prices of sanitary pads, shortage of changing rooms, lack of parental care and widespread suicides were mentioned as major problems facing young girls.
“We have noted that there is the free distribution of condoms, why can’t the government do the same to sanitary pads?” noted one of the concerned adolescent girls.
Reacting to the development, Malawi Girl Guides Association (MAGGA) programme Coordinator, Tamanda Mlumbe, said girls and young women are facing several challenges.
“The call by learners is genuine and needs to be considered as the price of sanitary pads is high and most of the learners cannot afford it,” she said.
On her part, Parliamentary Women Caucus member, Mary Navicha, said the committee will lobby for free provision of sanitary pads with government and development partners currently distributing free condoms, ARVs and family planning methods.
MAGGA and United Nations Population Fund are implementing a project in Dedza focusing on the welfare of girl learners.
