Breaking free from the 'silent struggle' of period shame

Six thousand packs of sanitary pads and five dedicated menstrual health corners have been donated to Namibian organisations as part of a push to move period poverty from private struggle to public health priority.

The donation forms part of a partnership between the One Economy Foundation and feminine hygiene brand Lil-Lets, which recently completed a university roadshow across Windhoek reaching five tertiary institutions through 14 activations.

The roadshow visited the University of Namibia's (Unam) medical and main campuses, the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), the International University of Management and Triumphant College, engaging thousands of students in conversations about menstrual health, dignity and wellbeing.

The engagements exposed a persistent problem: many students remain reluctant to discuss menstruation openly, highlighting a stigma that directly affects young women's educational participation, confidence and quality of life.

The handover ceremony, held at the #BeFree Youth Campus in Windhoek, saw the foundation and its partner organisations receive the 6 000 donated sanitary pad packs alongside five menstrual corners – safe, stigma-free spaces stocked with free sanitary products for easy access.

The beneficiaries include Girl Up Namibia, the Havana Charity Work Foundation, the Lidar Foundation and the Zambezi Girl Child Foundation.

Speaking at the event, Michaela Boing of Premier FMCG, the South Africa-based company that owns Lil-Lets, said: "This initiative is about more than providing products; it is about shifting mindsets. By working alongside national leaders, students and community organisations, we are helping to reposition menstrual health as a shared societal responsibility, not a silent struggle."

Fundamental rights

The event was attended by former first lady and One Economy Foundation executive chairperson Monica Geingos.

"Elevating menstrual health onto the national agenda affirms that dignity, access and open conversation are fundamental rights. When we normalise these discussions, we unlock confidence, opportunity and agency for women and girls across Namibia," Geingos said.

 Geingos said the collaboration demonstrates how partnerships between the private sector, civil society and government can advance menstrual health and support broader social development goals.

The One Economy Foundation said its work on reproductive health and rights forms part of its broader health programme. Through its adolescent and youth-friendly #BeFree Cares Clinic, the organisation provides young people with access to health services, information and support.

Organisers maintain that improving access to menstrual products must go hand in hand with education and open dialogue if Namibia is to effectively tackle period poverty and the stigma that continues to surround menstruation.