The Zambezi Girl Child Foundation was founded in 2018 to address pressing issues in the Zambezi region. 

One of the challenging issues is menstruation, which is often overlooked in the community. 

However, it is not the physical challenge that causes the problem – it is the stigma. 

Girls across the region do not attend school during their periods. 

Many ask to leave school early with the excuse that they are unwell. 

The foundation, which is registered under the Ministry of Health and Social Services, aims to break this silence and ensure that menstruation is not a reason for a girl to lag in her education. 

Secretary general Munukayumbwa Mwiya of the foundation said that the biggest tool is providing information. 

She highlighted that during a visit to Kasheshe village, she found that cultural practices were another contributing factor. 

One of the cultural practices is sikenge, which prepares girls for marriage. 

The initiation process isolates girls from the age of 14 and teaches them how to live with their husbands in the future. 

Girls are confined for one to two months in a private room to go through the initiation process. 

Mwiya said some of these cultural practices keeps girls out of school, and often lead to negative consequences like teenage pregnancy 

“Girls as young as 14 are being pushed into practices that are not only physically harmful but also emotionally damaging, as they feel pressured to act out what they had been taught, even before they were ready for such responsibilities,” she said. 

The foundation’s work goes beyond providing pads or health products to girls. 

It changes the mindset of the community through educational campaigns to address the stigma surrounding menstruation. 

By providing accurate information and raising awareness, they hope to empower girls to continue their education without fear, embarrassment or shame. 

“We want to create space where girls feel comfortable and confident about their bodies. We are fighting for a world where no girl has to miss school because of menstruation or outdated cultural practices,” Mwiya said. 

Another concern is the long distances to and from school for girls in Chetto. 

She pointed out that it is not safe for girls to walk long distances to school. 

Mwiya’s suggested solution is a school bus. 

“It is not safe for girls to walk at 05:00 to go to school. Anything can happen to them,” she said. 

The foundat i on te a che s girls about sexual reproduction, conducts workshops and donates to disadvantaged backgrounds to all schools in the Zambezi region. 

“We also do a Christmas drive, which is our annual way of giving back to the community,” she said. 

-pmukokobi@gmail.com.na