Bahati Member of Parliament Leevan Chibombwe has advocated using Constituency Development Funds (CDF) to provide sanitary pads for schools.
Mr Chibombwe argued that investing in menstrual hygiene products would be more beneficial than some existing grant and loan schemes.
He has urged policymakers to prioritise menstrual health.
Mr. Chibombwe said this in Lusaka during a Learning Event for the NGO WASH Forum on Menstrual Hygiene Management under the theme “Dignity in Menstruation: A Shared Responsibility for Progress.”
Earlier, Lundazi Member of Parliament Brenda Nyirenda emphasised that menstrual cycles occur monthly and require timely funding.
Ms Nyirenda highlighted the importance of including women’s voices in policy discussions and stressed that period poverty is a lifelong challenge affecting girls and women beyond school years.
She proposed incorporating menstrual hygiene provisions into health insurance and ensuring that policy changes support long-term solutions.
And Nalolo Member of Parliament Imanga Wamunyima expressed concerns about the sustainability of removing taxes on sanitary products.
Mr Wamunyima pointed to Tanzania’s model, where local authorities manage funds for menstrual hygiene, as a more viable approach.
He suggested subsidising sanitary products rather than eliminating taxes, allowing greater affordability for those in need.
Mr Wamunyima called for improved tracking systems to monitor whether government policies on menstrual hygiene are effectively implemented in schools.
The learning event was made possible through the Water Voices United project.
The Water Voices United is a transformative four-year project, co-funded by the European Union and Danish People’s Aid and spearheaded by SNV in partnership with the NGO WASH Forum. This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities and synergies among WASH Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Zambia. By fostering the CSOs role in WASH governance, the project supports the Zambian Government’s efforts towards the progressive realization of the Human Right to Water and Sanitation. Together, we are not just aiming for change; we’re ensuring a sustainable and equitable future where access to clean water and safe sanitation becomes a reality for all.
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