No child should miss school because of menstruation.

 Young girls and women in Eswatini still face the issue of lack of sanitary pads during their monthly menstrual cycle. Based on a Water Sanitation and Hygiene study UNFPA did with Water Aid in Eswatini, the Acting Head of Offices shared on the extent of poor menstrual hygiene management. “About 70% women and young girls do not have access to proper menstrual hygiene management. (May 28, 2020)

Poor menstrual hygiene could lead not only to physical health problems such as reproductive and urinary infections, but also to issues that are related to mental health, linking the menstrual cycle to a negative feeling and leaving people who menstruate ashamed., for school going children, it can cause poor performance in school as periods might make them a bit uncomfortable. 

My take: Educate girls about menstruation. Create norms that see menstruation as healthy and positive. Improve access to sanitary products, running water, functional toilets and privacy. In Eswatini, pads should be readily available at an affordable price, taxes on pads should be removed so every one affords them and they should be free in schools. This will lower the vulnerabilities of AGYWs and ensure that everyone is catered for in terms of access. 

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