No shame in periods
Held under the theme, ‘It’s time for action’, Menstrual Hygiene Day was commemorated at A Shipena Secondary School on 28 May.
Ester Kamati
The Khomas regional council, along with other government bodies, recently hosted a Menstrual Hygiene Day programme.
The event was held at A Shipena Secondary School on 28 May and was aimed at educating young women about hygiene when it comes to that time of the month, as well as celebrating what it means to be a woman.
This event featured an incredible level of youth participation, as it was hosted by scholars Olivia Mwethunga and Moses Josef from A Shipena, and Emma Paulus from the School for the Visually Impaired. Josef shared with the audience that he is aware of how girls normally go through a lot during menstruation and urged his peers, especially the boys, to make them feel better.
Special advisor to the Khomas governor, Rosalia Mwashekele, said children learn best when they are healthy and safe, thus such an environment should be provided so they can truly excel.
“Events of this nature are necessary to make girls feel proud to be part of the school community,” Mwashekele said.
She added that she is proud to see men and boys participating at such an event, and explained that support from fathers and brothers is necessary for the girl child.
She concluded by saying that individuals should join hands in donating sanitary pads, toiletries and soap or anything they can to promote menstrual hygiene.
In addition, the day, which is commemorated annually internationally on 28 May, was officially adopted.
Mwashekele mentioned that it will become an annual event on Namibia’s calendar.
A learner from Dawid Bezuidenhout Secondary School, Justin Kaheka, said it is a good thing for people to talk about these issues publicly, because it educates guys on what girls go through.
He urged his peers to show more compassion to their sisters and female friends. Susan Linosi, the country manager for Star for Life, said young girls should accept that menstruation is a normal, natural process that every woman goes through and it is not something to be ashamed of.
The Khomas regional council, along with other government bodies, recently hosted a Menstrual Hygiene Day programme.
The event was held at A Shipena Secondary School on 28 May and was aimed at educating young women about hygiene when it comes to that time of the month, as well as celebrating what it means to be a woman.
This event featured an incredible level of youth participation, as it was hosted by scholars Olivia Mwethunga and Moses Josef from A Shipena, and Emma Paulus from the School for the Visually Impaired. Josef shared with the audience that he is aware of how girls normally go through a lot during menstruation and urged his peers, especially the boys, to make them feel better.
Special advisor to the Khomas governor, Rosalia Mwashekele, said children learn best when they are healthy and safe, thus such an environment should be provided so they can truly excel.
“Events of this nature are necessary to make girls feel proud to be part of the school community,” Mwashekele said.
She added that she is proud to see men and boys participating at such an event, and explained that support from fathers and brothers is necessary for the girl child.
She concluded by saying that individuals should join hands in donating sanitary pads, toiletries and soap or anything they can to promote menstrual hygiene.
In addition, the day, which is commemorated annually internationally on 28 May, was officially adopted.
Mwashekele mentioned that it will become an annual event on Namibia’s calendar.
A learner from Dawid Bezuidenhout Secondary School, Justin Kaheka, said it is a good thing for people to talk about these issues publicly, because it educates guys on what girls go through.
He urged his peers to show more compassion to their sisters and female friends. Susan Linosi, the country manager for Star for Life, said young girls should accept that menstruation is a normal, natural process that every woman goes through and it is not something to be ashamed of.
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