By ALICE NACHILEMBE
Awanachi Magazine, in collaboration with Vedanta, First Financial Bank (FNB), and Premier Credit, has donated 5,350 reusable sanitary materials to Mutenda and Muchishi schools in Chingola. This initiative aims to support girls’ education and dignity by providing access to menstrual hygiene products.
Awanachi Magazine Founder Mpunga Simukwai said, “Sanitary products should not be a luxury for women and girls but a necessity, especially in schools. Today, on World Menstrual Hygiene Day, we are aware of the challenges faced by women and girls around the world due to period poverty. This is our second donation to girls in Chingola, and we aim to reach 20,000 girls by 2030 with sustainable solutions.”
Simukwai emphasized that the harsh reality is that access to menstrual hygiene products remains a luxury for far too many in the 21st century. “Countless girls in rural Zambia face the harsh reality of being unable to afford menstrual products, which disadvantages them in learning and limits their ability to compete favorably. This campaign targets reaching 20,000 girls by 2030 because we believe every woman and girl deserves the right to manage her period safely and with dignity.”
Chingola Member of Parliament Chipoka Mulenga said, “Menstruation is a challenge for girls, who are often absent from school 4-5 times a month due to lack of sanitary wear, which impedes their education progress. We thank Awanachi Magazine for this donation, which will complement the government’s efforts to keep girls in school.”
Vedanta Resources Director of Corporate Communications Masuzyo Ndhlovu said, “Part of our vision is to support the girl child. Investing in girls’ education transforms communities, countries, and the entire world. Girls who receive an education are less likely to marry young and more likely to lead healthy, productive lives.”
FNB Senior Manager Mirriam Sinkamba said, “FNB believes in helping every woman rise by providing access to diverse financial and lifestyle solutions. We are excited to support Awanachi Magazine for the second time, collectively adding a voice to encourage young women to avoid missing classes due to inadequate access to sanitary materials.”
Chingola District Education Board Secretary Noah Simulunga said, “This donation will make a great impact in the lives of the pupils in Mutenda and Muchishi schools. This is a great milestone in the life of a girl child in rural areas and the education sector, as they will not only receive pads but also health literacy on menstrual hygiene.”
