The Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare will soon roll out a pilot programme aimed at providing sanitary pads to schoolgirls across Namibia.
Minister Dr. Emma Kantema-Gaomas announced the initiative in Parliament this week while responding to questions from Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani, who criticised government for failing to deliver on its long-standing commitment to address menstrual health challenges faced by learners.
Dr. Kantema-Gaomas acknowledged that many schoolgirls continue to miss classes due to a lack of access to sanitary products, a challenge that undermines their education and dignity.
She said her ministry, working closely with the Ministries of Education, Health and Finance, has completed a concept note and is finalising preparations for the pilot phase, which is expected to begin in the coming weeks under the directive of the Prime Minister.
According to Dr. Kantema-Gaomas, the Ministry of Education currently allocates N$15 per learner under the school funding policy for hygiene-related needs an amount that is shared among both girls and boys. She admitted that the allocation is not enough to effectively address the menstrual hygiene needs of female learners.
“The pilot programme is a step toward ensuring that no girl misses school because of her period,” she said, adding that the government remains committed to improving access to menstrual products and hygiene education in schools.
The move has been welcomed by gender equality advocates, who have long called for stronger government intervention to tackle period poverty and promote equal education opportunities for girls.
