Restoring Dignity: NWASCO Helps Girls Stay in School

 By Daily News Reporter

For many girls across rural and peri-urban communities, the dream of education remains fragile. While classrooms stand ready and teachers prepare lessons, countless girls are forced to stay home—held back not by lack of ambition, but by barriers beyond their control. Cultural norms, early marriages, and inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products combine to create a cycle of absenteeism and dropout.

These consequences are profound: missed lessons turn into lost opportunities, and lost opportunities become lifelong disadvantages. Studies show that girls who are denied consistent access to education are more likely to face limited economic prospects and diminished social participation. Yet, behind these statistics are real stories—young learners whose futures are interrupted simply because they lack the basic tools to manage their daily lives with dignity.

For these reasons the National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO) donated reusable menstrual wear to 400 girls' worth of K110. 000.00 at Mulalika Primary and Secondary School in east part of Chongwe Zambia, in a move aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene and reducing absenteeism among school-going girls.

The donation its part of NWASCO’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme focused on improving sanitation, hygiene, and health standards in communities across Zambia.

Speaking on behalf of NWASCO Chief Executive Officer, Secretary to Council/ Legal Council Mr. Andrew Mwansa, emphasized that access to menstrual hygiene products is not a luxury but a necessity. They noted that studies show some girls miss up to 36 school days annually due to lack of proper sanitary materials, a situation described as a serious barrier to education and national development.

“Access to menstrual hygiene materials is not a luxury but a necessity. When girls are unable to manage their menstrual health with dignity, it affects their confidence, academic performance and overall well-being,” Mr. Mwansa said.

School authorities welcomed the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful. The head teacher expressed gratitude to NWASCO for choosing Mulalika School, noting that many learners come from vulnerable households where access to sanitary products is limited.

And Representing District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) Chongwe (Joseph Chanda), Ms. Chabu Magdalene Education Standards Officer also commended NWASCO for complementing government efforts in promoting girl-child education. They stressed that menstrual health management is key to achieving inclusive and equitable education.

The reusable menstrual wear, designed to be washed and reused for several months, offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution. Beneficiaries were also trained on proper usage, hygiene practices, and care to ensure the products remain safe and durable.

Some of the girls expressed joy and relief after receiving the items, saying the support would help them attend school consistently without fear or embarrassment.

A 16-year-old Mumba, a Grade Eight pupil at Mulalika Secondary School in Chongwe District told daily News that she used to dread the arrival of her monthly period. Coming from a vulnerable household, her family could not afford to buy disposable sanitary pads regularly. Each month, Mumba missed several days of school, too embarrassed and anxious to attend classes without proper protection.

“I would stay home because I was afraid of staining my uniform,” she recalls.

“Sometimes I would miss important lessons and even tests.” Mumba said.

Her story is not unique. Many girls in rural and peri-urban Zambia face similar challenges, with studies showing that some miss up to 36 school days a year due to lack of menstrual hygiene products.

That changed when NWASCO donated reusable menstrual wear to Mumba’s school. For the first time, she received a set of washable, eco-friendly pads designed to last several months. Alongside the donation, she and her classmates were taught how to use and care for them properly.

“Now I can come to school every day without worrying. I feel comfortable, and I can concentrate on my lessons. I want to become a nurse one day, and this support is helping me stay on track.” Mumba said.

Her teachers have noticed the change too. Mumba’s attendance has improved, and she participates more actively in class. The head teacher describes the donation as “a gift of dignity and opportunity,” noting that it has restored confidence among many girls.

And one of the parents receiving the donation on behalf of her child expressed gratitude for NWASCO for this imitative to help girl child to attend school lessons,

“I feel happier than I was because it was too expensive to buy these pads for my child so like this help am humbled,’ parent said.

 For Mumba, the reusable pads are more than just a product—they represent freedom, dignity, and the chance to pursue her dreams without interruption.

This initiative aligns with Zambia’s broader efforts to promote water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in schools, while addressing social barriers that hinder girls’ education. Stakeholders at the event called for continued partnerships between regulatory bodies, the private sector, and communities to ensure that no girl is left behind due to preventable challenges related to menstrual health.

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