Government wants all girls to be in school

Minister of information and Media, Chushi Kasanda says Government wants to encourage girls to remain in school the reason why the 2022 national budget has a provision for the distribution of free sanitary pads.

Speaking when she officiated at the 2^nd commemoration of the Period Festival in Lusaka today, Ms Kasanda says the initiative is commendable as it is in line with government’s policy to support the growth and development of the girl child.

She says there is no reason for the girl child not to remain in school given the support and facilities that have been availed to her.

Ms Kasanda has commended Whisper A Dream Foundation, a community organisation for empowering the girl child to be confident in overcoming social barriers such as the stigma associated with menstrual cycle which tends to affect their progress in school and other social interactions.

She has also reminded parents of their important role in guiding and encouraging the girl child about the fact that menstruation period is a normal occurrence in their life biologically.

Speaking earlier, Whisper a Dream Foundation founder, Annie Kalaluka appealed to government to ensure that all forms of tax are removed from menstrual pads to make them affordable.