About the project
My Period is Awesome – Namibia is a pilot project which addresses the critical sanitary situation in Namibia.
The Government of the Republic of Namibia and the Civil Society Organizations acknowledge the acute problem of sanitary care in the poor communities and the urgency of coming up with a permanent solution to the problem.
One of the consequences of the lack of access to clean toilets and menstrual products is the alarming number of girls that fail to attend school when they are on their period.
Education is a fundamental right, but this is lost if you feel unable to attend lessons because of a lack of period products or clean, private toilets at your school.
But it is a much broader issue than that.
Education about menstruation is generally lacking across the region and menstruation is rarely discussed in families, schools or the community.
Many girls have little or no knowledge of what is happening when they first get their period because of stigma and taboos surrounding menstruation.
Girls often turn to their mothers and teachers for support, but if they lack the confidence and information themselves, they may perpetuate taboos and pass them on from one generation to the next.
To change a misconception that is so deeply ingrained in a culture and community, both women and men need adequate information and access to proper sanitary solutions and affordable period products.
With this project, it is our hope to make a change and give progress a push.
We rely on our local partner Women’s Action for Development (WAD) for local and cultural understanding. They bring years of experience within the field – providing us with the opportunity to gain access to the schools and communities to educate both girls and boys on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
Project activities
- Cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health & Social Services and put MHM on the political agenda.
- Training of teachers for educating both girls & boys on MHM and SRHR.
- Educating more than 1000 girls and boys in rural communities in Namibia.
- Distributing menstrual cups to those in need.
Project partners
Women’s Action for Development (WAD)
WAD have managed development programs and projects in Namibia since 1994 and have reached over 50,000 beneficiaries mostly women and young people.
WAD have been awarded Gold and Diamond Arrow awards by the South African based PMR Africa Organization as an outstanding and most visible NGO in Namibia.
My Period is Awesome (MPIA)
My Period is Awesome (MPIA) is a project platform owned by the NGO Wise Economy Global Association.
MPIA run projects on Menstrual Hygiene Management and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. MPIA cooperate with African NGOs with similar goals. The aim is to campaign for better knowledge on MHM and SRHR. MPIA have 25 years of experience from working with Gender Equality, Women’s Economic Empowerment, Human Rights and Democracy.