In its strong belief in the importance of education and addressing menstrual challenges to keep girls in school, Illovo Sugar Malawi Plc has launched Rise for Girls programme. This is in cognizance that in many communities, menstrual challenges and the lack of menstrual health education hinder the potential of girls, especially those in secondary school. The programme was launched in Chikwawa where Illovo Sugar Malawi operates — starting with distribution of care packages, each containing sanitary pads, soap and a 10-litre bucket for 162 girls at Ngabu Secondary School.
Other care packages from a consignment of 1,000 were distributed to girls at Dzumira Secondary School as well as Community Day Secondary Schools (CDSSs) of Jumbe and Nchalo. Representing Illovo’s Managing Director, Lekani Katandula, the company’s Head of Legal & Corporate Affairs, Maureen Kachingwe, unpacked that the programme includes improving water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH) facilities for the schools; menstrual hygiene management trainings; educational programs; and product distribution. On WASH, Kachingwe said Illovo is “committed to constructing water points and sanitation facilities whenever possible to ensure that girls can manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence”.
And on menstrual hygiene management, they will “implement training to provide girls with the knowledge and resources they need to manage their menstrual health effectively”. The educational programmes is a.