Gender advocacy group, Arise Women of Africa has called for urgent action to provide free sanitary products to girls in rural communities, highlighting that the lack of menstrual health resources continues to disrupt education and undermine the dignity of young learners.
Speaking at the 15th Zanele Mbeki International Women’s Day Dialogue in South Africa, the National Head of Policy, Research and Strategy for Arise Women of Africa, Dorothy Ncube, appealed to development practitioners and gender advocates to prioritise menstrual health as part of efforts to advance women’s empowerment across the region.
“As we celebrate the WDB Trust’s 35-year journey, let’s acknowledge the progress made and the work still needed,” Ncube said.
“In rural areas like my hometown of Plumtree in Zimbabwe, girls face a harsh reality: no access to pads, hindering their education and well-being. Let’s ensure girls have free pads, supporting their dignity and future.”
Her remarks further underscored the strong link between menstrual health, education, and gender equality, noting that many girls continue to miss school due to a lack of sanitary products.
“Most girls from rural homes have to forego school due to lack of sanitary wear, in the long-run compromising their overall score,” she said.
She urged governments, civil society organisations, and development partners to strengthen policies and programmes that address menstrual health challenges, ensuring girls can attend school consistently.
The dialogue, convened under the leadership of Zanele Mbeki, also marked the 35th anniversary of the WDB Trust, an organisation known for supporting women’s development, particularly in rural communities.
Ncube’s call serves as a timely reminder that achieving gender equality and empowering young girls requires more than dialogue it demands tangible action.
The event provided a platform for participants to reflect on progress made in advancing women’s empowerment while exploring strategies to accelerate the social and economic inclusion of women across Africa.
