ABSA Bank Zambia Partners with World Vision Zambia to Fight Menstrual Poverty and Keep Girls in School

In a groundbreaking move to address critical issues affecting girls' education, World Vision Zambia has partnered with Absa Bank Zambia PLC on the Flow Fund campaign aimed at raising K700,000 ($30,000 United States Dollars) to provide 5,000 girls in rural communities with reusable sanitary towels. This initiative aims to end menstrual poverty, a significant barrier preventing many girls from attending school regularly, and to promote gender equality in education.

This was announced during the launch of the ABSA Marathon 2025 edition at ABSA House in Lusaka. During her speech, ABSA Bank Zambia Managing Director Mizinga Melu emphasised that this year’s marathon is more than just a fitness event; it’s a platform to create social impact. 

“We are proud to support this cause, and every donation made towards the campaign, ABSA will match the support to ensure we create a lasting impact,” she announced. 

This commitment underscores the bank’s dedication to social responsibility and empowering young girls.

World Vision Zambia's Resource Acquisition and Communications Director, Pennia Mavedzenge, also spoke passionately about the importance of collective action. 

“Girls miss school due to a lack of sanitary products, but together, we can help girls stay in school and get the education they deserve,” she said. 

Ms. Mavedzenge called on partners, communities, and individuals to come together to support the cause, emphasising that sustainable change is only possible through unified efforts.

The campaign is part of World Vision Zambia’s broader “Strong Girls Strong Zambia” initiative, which focuses on empowering girls through education, health, and hygiene programs. Central to this effort is the Flow Fund campaign, a special fundraising initiative designed to mobilise resources to supply sanitary products to girls in need, ensuring they can attend school without interruption.

The ABSA Marathon 2025 is set to be a vibrant event, bringing together runners, donors, and advocates to raise funds and awareness. Every donation made during the marathon will contribute directly to providing sanitary products and other essential support to vulnerable girls. 

The campaign aims to inspire a generation of young women to pursue their dreams without being hindered by menstrual poverty.

As Zambia continues to strive toward educational equity, partnerships like this exemplify the power of collective action in creating meaningful change. The “Strong Girls Strong Zambia” campaign is a testament to what can be achieved when organisations unite with a shared vision to keep girls in school, empower them, and build a brighter future for Zambia.