A new menstrual health model aimed at keeping girls in school and restoring their dignity was the focus of discussions at a capacity-building workshop held this week.
Speaking at the workshop, ‘Maseretse Ratia emphasised that the need for a comprehensive menstrual health approach in Lesotho is grounded in the fundamental human dignity of women and girls.
Ratai noted that persistent gaps in knowledge and communication have created what she described as a “cycle of suffering,” where many girls are unable to openly discuss menstruation, even with their mothers.
She explained that this silence, coupled with limited biology education that often excludes practical menstrual health management, fosters shame and frustration among young girls.
She warned that without a clear strategic framework and effective policy implementation, systemic challenges, such as inadequate sanitation facilities in schools, will continue to keep girls at home and disrupt their education.
She further revealed that the model was inspired by a young girl who showcased handmade reusable sanitary pads at an international youth event. This initiative sparked a partnership between the Ministry of Gender and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), aimed at supporting local innovation and addressing menstrual poverty.
Acting Director of Gender, ‘Mapuleng Secheche, said the initiative seeks to transform lives holistically by addressing broader sexual and reproductive health issues.
Secheche stressed that the programme goes beyond the distribution of sanitary products, focusing instead on empowering women with knowledge and skills to educate others within their communities.
Providing a broader perspective, UNFPA Country Representative John Kennedy Mosoti highlighted that at least 10 percent of girls drop out of school due to menstruation, a figure he described as conservative.
Mosoti noted that the situation is even more severe for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds and those living with disabilities.
He argued that even a single girl dropping out is unacceptable, as it limits future potential, including that of future national leaders. He commended the government’s efforts to tackle stigma and called on society to ensure that girls have access to both menstrual products and accurate information.
Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development, Pitso Lesaoana, described the programme as a critical intervention to restore dignity and eliminate barriers to opportunity.
Lesaoana expressed concern over period poverty, noting that the lack of basic sanitary products contributes to cumulative educational setbacks and, in some cases, exposes girls to risky behaviours.
While acknowledging delays in the rollout of the pilot programme, the minister called for urgency and accountability. He emphasised that menstrual health must be treated as a national priority, ensuring access to both disposable and reusable products for all girls in need.
Meanwhile, UNFPA has procured 109,000 sanitary pads and 250 related products to support approximately 8,000 adolescent girls aged 10 to 18, both in and out of school.
The pilot programme will run from November 2025 to March 2027 in Mokhotlong, Mafeteng and Maseru, after which the Government of Lesotho is expected to assume full implementation in the following fiscal year.
Summary
- A new menstrual health model aimed at keeping girls in school and restoring their dignity was the focus of discussions at a capacity-building workshop held this week.
- Speaking at the workshop, ‘Maseretse Ratia emphasised that the need for a comprehensive menstrual health approach in Lesotho is grounded in the fundamental human dignity of women and girls.
- Providing a broader perspective, UNFPA Country Representative John Kennedy Mosoti highlighted that at least 10 percent of girls drop out of school due to menstruation, a figure he described as conservative.
Ntsoaki Motaung is an award-winning health journalist from Lesotho, specializing in community health stories with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as HIV. She has contributed to platforms like “Be in the KNOW,” highlighting issues such as the exclusion of people with disabilities from HIV prevention efforts in Lesotho.
In addition to her journalism, Ntsoaki serves as the Country Coordinator for the Regional Media Action Plan Support Network (REMAPSEN). She is also a 2023 CPHIA Journalism Fellow.
