Empowering young girls to reclaim their confidence, with dignity and with support.

By: Pulane Chaka, Communications, Lesotho

World Vision in Lesotho recently celebrated Menstrual Hygiene Day with great enthusiasm and pride at Pitseng Primary School in Leribe, WVL Mapiko Cluster, under the theme: "Making Menstruation a normal fact of Life by 2030."

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Her Majesty Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso, who has been a dependable advocate for child protection as World Vision child protection champion in Lesotho. This celebration served as a platform to highlight the importance of menstrual health and hygiene while expressing gratitude to various stakeholders who have played a pivotal role in supporting this cause.

"At World Vision, we firmly believe that all women and girls have the fundamental right to menstruate with confidence, dignity, and support. Our comprehensive programs address various aspects of menstrual health and hygiene. This includes policy and advocacy initiatives to raise awareness, promote accurate knowledge about menstruation, challenge social norms surrounding menstruation, ensure access to safe and affordable menstrual hygiene materials, and improve sanitation and washing facilities," said Mr James Chifwelu ]World Vision Lesotho National Director at the celebration.

Meanwhile, Her Majesty, Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso, called for the government to up its efforts in assisting in the fight against period poverty. In her address, she pointed out that access to menstrual hygiene products, especially for young girls, is something the government should help make a reality to facilitate clean and healthy menstrual health practices.

Her Majesty further stated that girls would usually miss days at school, thus robbing them of education during their time of the month as they do not have access to menstrual products or facilities to facilitate a safe and hygienic period.

Though periods are a normal part of life, the stigma around the topic stands as there is a lack of education on the subject. Girls and boys usually do not receive comprehensive education regarding menstruation, leading to misconceptions and further stigmatization.

Menstrual hygiene, as was highlighted through the celebration at Pitseng Primary School, is not only essential, it's still a vital part of any girl's menstrual journey, as poor menstrual hygiene practices can lead to serious health issues such as reproductive tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, urinary tract infections or, in dire cases, toxic shock syndrome.  

As such, clean facilities, access to menstrual products, private toilets, clean water, proper sanitation and proper waste management facilities are vital in ensuring that the difficulties faced by girls in schools during menstruation are not compounded.

Through poetic voices, girls from Khethisa High School expressed their past perils as young Basotho girls experiencing menstruation without knowing nor understanding what was happening to them. They shared how they were mocked and ostracized by other children in school but confidently declared that today they are proud of who they are because they understand that menstruation is a gift of womanhood.

The success of World Vision Lesotho's menstrual hygiene initiatives results from the strong partnerships formed with communities, schools, and children.

The event was attended by Pitseng Lecsa Primary School and Khethisa High School, where a total of 1,043 students, comprising 540 girls and 503 boys from Pitseng LECSA Primary School and 384 girls and 186 boys from Khethisa High School, actively participated. We are grateful for their support and commitment to breaking barriers and promoting menstrual health and hygiene.

At the event, 568 schoolgirls received hygiene packs with sanitary pads, washcloths, as well as washing and bathing soap. These were given to them to assist them in creating healthy menstrual hygiene practices.

The Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration was a resounding success, thanks to the collective efforts of various stakeholders. We remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering girls in schools, ensuring they access accurate knowledge, essential resources, and a supportive environment to menstruate with confidence and dignity.

By working together, we can continue to break down taboos, challenge social norms, and create a world where menstruation is no longer a barrier to a girl's education, health, and overall well-being.