Over the weekend, Wesnetwork-Water and Environmental Sanitation Network member Malawi Girl Guides Association (Magga) engaged the Parliamentary Women Caucus in Dedza district where among others they had the opportunity to hear the challenges Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) continue facing in the country.
The interface was one way of also appreciating the strides made by MAGGA in making sure that no girl is left behind in the country. Issues surrounding Menstrual Hygiene Management and what needs to be done to fully eliminate the menstrual poverty among AGYW’s were central during the conversation and the women MPs led by Thyolo Thava legislature Honourable Mary Navicha promised to bring to the August House motions that will help in alleviating the challenges faced by AGYW.
The colourful event was spiced up by various activities including testimonies from parents whose lives have transformed after going through Parents-Child-Communication (PCC) platforms where they learn on how they can improve the relationship with their children by mostly talking to the young ones on issues that affect them.
Efforts by the Caucus made the Malawi government to remove VAT on sanitary pads in 2021 but still AGYW continue to purchase the important commodity at a higher price. One of the girl’s from Dedza Government Primary School said before becoming a member of Girl Guides, she used to be absent from school due to lack of pads whenever she is menstruating.
She, however, said things have changed now and she is an ambassador of change in her community as she now knows how to sew reusable pads and teaches her colleagues the same.