Citizens First (CF) Parliamentaey Candidate for Nkundalila Constituency in Serenje District, Bangwe Naviley Chisenga, has called for greater investment in sustainable WASH facilities to address absenteeism caused by period poverty.
In a statement to observe the commemoration of Menstrual Hygiene Day, Bangwe observed that many girls in Serenje continue to miss school because most institutions lack menstrual hygiene management facilities.
He urged government to provide sanitary pads free of charge, just as it has introduced free education and free meals in public schools.
Bangwe stressed that without access to pads and proper facilities, girls’ dignity and education remain compromised.
He noted that the budget towards WASH declined terribly under the UPND administration and must be revisited going forward.
The aspiring MP argued that government cannot claim to have no money for menstrual hygiene management when it has resources to increase constituencies.
He appealed to the Zambia NGO WASH Forum to extend their programmes to schools in Serenje.
Bangwe also called on the Joining Forces Alliance to prioritise menstrual hygiene interventions in rural communities.
He emphasised that absenteeism linked to period poverty is a silent crisis undermining academic performance and gender equality.
Bangwe called for renewed collective action to break the silence around menstruation and ensure inclusive education for all girls in Serenje.
