Youth End Period Poverty Movement - Blog , Impact Chronicles

Ending Period Poverty in Zambia: Join the Youth End Period Poverty Movement’s Pad Drive

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 02:37:48 +0200

In Sub-Saharan Africa, 1 in 10 girls misses school during menstruation due to the lack of access to sanitary products, stigma, and poor hygiene facilities (UNESCO, UNICEF). Many are forced to use unsafe alternatives like rags, leaves, or even newspaper, putting them at risk of infections and pushing them further away from education. The Youth End Period Poverty Movement (YEPPM) is tackling this crisis head-on through the Restore Her Dignity Initiative, a holistic program that provides sanitary pads, education, and male allyship to create lasting change.

A Holistic Approach to Menstrual Equity

1. Sanitary Pad Distribution: Keeping Girls in School

Many girls in Zambia’s high-density communities struggle to afford sanitary products, forcing them to skip school every month. YEPPM’s free, eco-friendly reusable pad kits ensure that underserved girls can manage their periods safely and stay in class. By prioritizing sustainability and accessibility, we reduce both period poverty and environmental waste.

2. Menstrual Hygiene & Sexual Reproductive Health Workshops

Education is key to breaking the cycle of shame and misinformation. Our peer-led workshops equip girls with practical knowledge on menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and sexual reproductive health (SRH) rights, boosting their confidence and health literacy.

But ending stigma requires involving the whole community. That’s why we also engage boys and men in open discussions, teaching them to become Menstrual Equity Champions. Through interactive sessions, Q&As with health experts, and pledge ceremonies, we foster empathy and dismantle harmful taboos.

3. Advocacy & Community Mobilization

Sustainable change happens when entire communities commit to progress. YEPPM works with local leaders, schools, and churches to keep the conversation going. Our #MenForMH Pledge Campaign encourages men and boys to publicly stand in solidarity, creating a culture where menstruation is no longer a barrier to dignity or education.

Why This Matters

1. Girls miss less school when they have reliable sanitary products, improving their academic performance and future opportunities.

2. Breaking stigma through male engagement leads to more supportive families and communities.

3. Empowering youth with SRH knowledge reduces early pregnancies and health risks.

How You Can Help

We need your support to reach more girls and transform attitudes around menstruation in Zambia. Here’s how you can contribute:

Monetary Donations: Send funds via Mobile Money

Zambia: +260 975611097

Zimbabwe: +263 776145572

Botswana: +267 71501506

In-Kind Donations: Pads, soap, or underwear can make a direct impact.

Email: info@yeppm.org for partnerships or inquiries.

Together, We Can Restore Her Dignity

Period poverty is solvable, but it takes a collective effort. By donating, advocating, or simply raising awareness, you can help ensure that no girl in Zambia has to choose between her health and her education. Join the Youth End Period Poverty Movement today and be part of the change!

The Period Poverty Movement: Engaging Men as Allies in the Fight for Menstrual Equity

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 01:29:15 +0200

The Youth End Period Poverty Movement recognizes that menstrual equity isn't just a women's issue – it's a fundamental human rights challenge requiring united action from all genders. Our Restore Her Dignity Initiative transforms men and boys from passive observers to powerful allies in ending menstrual stigma and creating systemic change.

Here's how we're rewriting the narrative:

• Education That Empowers: We equip men and young boys with comprehensive menstrual health knowledge, replacing myths with facts

• Stigma-Busting Advocacy: We challenge deep-rooted taboos through open, intergenerational dialogue

• Policy Revolution: We mobilize male allies to champion legislation ensuring universal access to products and safe sanitation

This is about more than pads – it's about dignity. When boys learn about menstruation early, they become advocates who normalize biological reality. When men speak up, they amplify demands for equity in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.

True progress happens when society stops treating periods as whispers and starts recognizing them as a metric of equality. But we can't do it alone. Lasting change requires every gender to:

1. Listen to lived experiences

2. Challenge uncomfortable stereotypes

3. Demand policy reforms

The path to menstrual equity runs through solidarity. Will you walk it with us?

Youth End Period Poverty Movement Champions Bodily Autonomy at Day of the African Child Dialogue

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 08:52:00 +0200

On 18 June 2025, the Youth End Period Poverty Movement (YEPPM) joined young leaders and civil society at the Day of the African Child Dialogue, hosted by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation. Serving as a platform to amplify the voices, struggles, and dreams of young people across Africa, the dialogue centred on youth-led change, resilience, and the urgent need to co-create solutions for the continent’s future.

Representing the movement, Washington Mumbamarwo delivered a critical intervention exploring the intersection of bodily autonomy and mental health. Speaking to the theme of personal and societal wellness, Washington highlighted how the ability of young people, particularly young women and girls, to make informed decisions about their own bodies is fundamental to broader mental health and community resilience.

The conversation opened with reflections on the evolution of youth activism. Stacey Fru, founder of the Stacey Fru Foundation, noted that today’s movements are defined by creativity and digital innovation, declaring powerfully that "youth are not just the future; they are the present." This was reinforced by Rosevitha Ndumbu (IPPR Namibia & YALI Alumna), who spoke to the historical resistance of African youth against exclusion, emphasising the frustration of having "futures shaped without them".

Closing the session, communications specialist Darla Rudakubana called on young people to harness storytelling as a tool for solidarity, urging them to connect movements and amplify impact across borders. The dialogue reaffirmed that young people across Africa are not waiting for invitations, they are building their own tables. For the Youth End Period Poverty Movement, this platform was an opportunity to ensure that bodily autonomy is recognised as a cornerstone of justice, mental health, and sustainable development. We remain committed to showing up, speaking out, and shaping the Africa we want to see.

Youth End Period Poverty Movement Champions Menstrual Equity at Hivos Southern Africa's Regional SRHR Fund Webinar on Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025

Wed, 28 May 2025 07:13:02 +0200

The Youth End Period Poverty Movement (YEPPM) is proud to participate in the Hivos Southern Africa Regional SRHR Fund’s webinar on Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025, underscoring its unwavering commitment to dismantling menstrual stigma and advancing gender-inclusive sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). Today, 28 May 2025, at 1400hrs CAT, YEPPM’s Director, Washington Mumbamarwo, will join leading advocates from Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, including Dr. Jemba Senkole (Uganda), Nelly Munyasia (Kenya), and Nompumelelo Mathabela (South Africa) to amplify male allyship in the fight for menstrual equity. This critical dialogue aligns with YEPPM’s mission to challenge toxic masculinity, foster inclusive conversations, and equip men and boys with tools to become advocates for period-friendly environments.

Through the Restore Her Dignity Initiative and Nourish Her program, YEPPM has taken a holistic approach to combating period poverty, distributing reusable pads and dignity kits while empowering girls with SRH education in schools and churches across Zimbabwe and Zambia. Recognizing that dignity extends beyond products, Nourish Her addresses menstrual health through nutrition, promoting iron-rich indigenous foods to combat anemia and the mental toll of stigma. By engaging men and boys as allies, YEPPM and its partners are reshaping societal norms, ensuring menstruation is recognized as a shared human experience rather than a source of shame.

This webinar marks a pivotal step in the Regional SRHR Fund’s Adolescent and Youth SRHR Inclusive Access Initiative, which seeks to transform harmful gender norms and amplify youth-led advocacy. YEPPM remains steadfast in collaborating with progressive forces to eradicate period poverty, advance SRH, and champion menstrual equity because no one should be held back by their biology. Together, we are building a future where menstruation is met with empathy, not stigma, and where every young person thrives in dignity and health.

Zoom Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4kgXwu4

Youth End Period Poverty Movement Amplifies Menstrual Equity and Youth-Led Advocacy in Landmark Discussions

Tue, 27 May 2025 07:00:43 +0200

As the global community observes Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025, the Youth End Period Poverty Movement (YEPPM) is spearheading critical conversations to advance menstrual equity, sexual and reproductive health (SRH), and inclusive advocacy across Africa. Marking this important occasion, YEPPM will host an X Space discussion on 27 May 2025 at 1900hrs CAT, featuring Chibwe Lumpa, Founder of Zambia’s Reach One Child Foundation, and Washington Mumbamarwo, YEPPM Executive Director. This dialogue will explore the intersection of menstrual equity, education access, and youth empowerment, with a particular focus on marginalized communities often left behind in these crucial discussions.

The timing of this engagement could not be more significant. Across the continent, persistent stigma, period poverty, and inadequate SRHR services continue to undermine the health, dignity, and potential of millions of young people. YEPPM’s advocacy highlights three critical pathways for change: comprehensive policy reform, community-centered education, and meaningful male engagement as part of holistic solutions to break systemic barriers.

Demonstrating its commitment to ending period poverty, advancing sexual and reproductive health (SRH), and promoting menstrual equity, YEPPM will further contribute to the Hivos Southern Africa Regional SRHR Fund Webinar on 28 May 2025, under the theme “Combating Toxic Masculinity: Male Advocacy for Menstrual Equity in East and Southern Africa.” Represented by Executive Director Washington Mumbamarwo alongside experts and changemakers from Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, this session will delve into strategies for engaging men and boys as proactive allies in challenging harmful gender norms and advancing inclusive menstrual health solutions.

These dual initiatives underscore YEPPM’s foundational belief that menstrual equity is not just a health issue, but a prerequisite for achieving gender equality, educational parity, and economic justice. Through its youth-led approach and emphasis on multi-stakeholder collaboration, the movement is catalyzing change at all levels, from local awareness campaigns to influencing regional policy frameworks.

Youth End Period Poverty Movement Champions Women’s Rights at SADC Youth Parliament Standing Committee on Health and SRHR

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 11:34:39 +0200

The Youth End Period Poverty Movement delivered a submission to the SADC Youth Parliament Standing Committee on Health and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) on 11 March 2025, calling for urgent action to address the intersecting challenges of period poverty, lack of access to SRHR services, and sexual violence across Southern Africa. Speaking on behalf of countless young girls and women in the SADC region, the Movement highlighted the devastating impact of these issues on education, health, dignity, and economic empowerment. From the girl in Shangombo, Zambia, who misses school because she cannot afford sanitary pads, to the young woman in Dande, Zimbabwe, who lacks access to SRHR services and faces the risk of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, the stories of struggle are both heartbreaking and urgent.

Botswana’s Progressive Step: A Model for the Region

The Movement applauded the Government of Botswana for its groundbreaking proposal in the 2025 National Budget to provide free sanitary pads to female students. This bold policy is a lifeline for young women, ensuring their health, dignity, and education are prioritized. Botswana’s leadership sets a powerful example for the region, demonstrating that access to menstrual products is not a luxury but a fundamental human right.

However, while celebrating this milestone, the Movement emphasized that period poverty remains a pervasive issue across Southern Africa. Millions of girls and women are forced to use unsafe materials during menstruation, leading to infections, school absenteeism, and a loss of self-esteem. Period poverty is not just a health issue—it is a violation of human rights and a barrier to gender equality and economic empowerment.

The Stigma and Shame Around Menstruation

The submission also addressed the deep-rooted stigma surrounding menstruation, which perpetuates exclusion and inequality. “Why does society stigmatize something so natural and vital, while violence and harm receive a far different emotional response?” This stigma, coupled with the economic barriers to accessing menstrual products, forces many girls and women to choose between buying food or sanitary products—a choice no one should have to make.

The Scourge of Sexual Violence

Beyond menstrual health, the Movement highlighted the devastating prevalence of sexual violence in Southern Africa. Sexual violence is not just a matter of physical harm—it is an attack on a woman’s dignity, humanity, and future. From workplace harassment to abuse by family members or trusted figures, the trauma of sexual violence leaves deep, lasting scars.

The statistics are heartbreaking: 1 in 3 women in sub-Saharan Africa have experienced physical or sexual violence, and in South Africa alone, over 40,000 rapes are reported annually—with many more cases going unreported due to fear, shame, and lack of support services. Survivors need more than legal justice; they need mental and emotional recovery, safe spaces, and support systems to heal.

A Call to Action for SADC Governments and the SADC Youth Parliament

The Youth End Period Poverty Movement called on SADC governments and the Youth Parliament to take urgent action to:

Eliminate Period Poverty: Provide free or subsidized menstrual products, remove taxes on these items, integrate menstrual health into national health programs, and invest in education to reduce stigma.
Ensure Universal Access to SRHR Services: Strengthen healthcare infrastructure, integrate SRHR into primary healthcare, and involve youth in policy-making to ensure accessible, non-discriminatory services.
Combat Sexual Violence: Enforce laws like the SADC Model Law on Child Marriage, improve support for survivors, and launch campaigns to change harmful social norms. Ensure legal accountability and provide economic and social support for survivors.
Implement and Monitor Regional Frameworks: Fully adopt and monitor the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development and the SADC Regional Strategy for SRHR 2019–2030, with transparent reporting and accountability mechanisms.
Support Grassroots Initiatives: Fund and partner with local organizations to address period poverty and gender-based violence through culturally relevant, community-based interventions.
Improve Data Collection: Collect reliable, disaggregated data on gender-based violence, period poverty, and SRHR to inform evidence-based policies and advocate for resource allocation.
Engage Private Sector and International Partners: Encourage private sector involvement in menstrual health initiatives and strengthen international cooperation for technical and financial support.
Invest in Youth-Friendly Healthcare: Expand access to confidential, inclusive, and respectful healthcare services, including SRHR, mental health, and protection from sexual violence.

The Movement also urged the SADC Youth Parliament to:

1. Advocate for the enforcement of laws protecting children and young girls.

2. Strengthen regional collaboration to address cross-border issues like early and faced marriages, sexual violence, and period poverty.

3. Promote comprehensive SRHR education and healthcare access for marginalized communities.

4. Engage religious and traditional leaders to challenge harmful cultural practices.

5. Allocate resources to grassroots organizations working to end period poverty, gender-based violence, and child exploitation.

A Vision for a Brighter Future

The Youth End Period Poverty Movement stands ready to work with the SADC Youth Parliament, governments, civil society, and international partners to achieve these goals. Together, we can build a Southern Africa where every young person can live with dignity, free from violence, and with access to the health services they need to thrive.

SAIH Stavanger and Youth End Period Poverty Movement Unite for Global Webinar on International Women’s Day 2025.

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 16:53:28 +0200

In an impactful collaboration, SAIH Stavanger and the Youth End Period Poverty Movement are set to host a groundbreaking global webinar on March 8, 2025, in honor of International Women’s Day. Under the theme “Education, Solidarity, and Activism: Advancing Gender Justice,” the event will unite activists, organizations, and voices from around the world to celebrate the transformative role of education and collective action in advancing gender equality.

The webinar will feature a dynamic lineup of panel discussions, keynote speeches, and interactive sessions with activists and civil society organizations (CSOs) from diverse regions. These conversations will delve into the intersectionality of gender justice, emphasizing how systemic barriers disproportionately impact marginalized communities, including women and girls facing period poverty, racial discrimination, and economic inequality.

By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the event aims to build a global network of advocates committed to dismantling these barriers and creating lasting change. The webinar will also highlight the importance of education as a tool for empowerment and solidarity as a means to amplify marginalized voices.

This initiative aligns with the broader mission of the Youth End Period Poverty Movement, which works tirelessly to eradicate period poverty and stigma while advocating for menstrual equity as a fundamental human right. Together with SAIH Stavanger, a Norwegian student organization dedicated to education and solidarity, the event promises to inspire actionable strategies and strengthen global efforts toward gender justice.

As the world commemorates International Women’s Day 2025, this webinar stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the urgent need to address the intersecting challenges faced by women and girls worldwide. Join the movement and be part of the change!

Youth End Period Poverty Movement to Address Southern Africa Youth Parliament Standing Committee on Health and SRHR

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:31:59 +0200

The Youth End Period Poverty Movement (YEPPM) is set to make a significant submission before the 3rd Southern Africa Youth Parliament's Health and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Standing Committee. The session will take place on Tuesday, 11 March 2025, at 10:00 hours CAT. This marks a pivotal moment for the movement as it advocates for menstrual equity and addresses the systemic barriers that perpetuate period poverty across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

The submission aligns with the broader theme of the 3rd Southern Africa Youth Parliament: "Empowering Youth for Sustainable Development and Inclusive Governance in the SADC Region." This theme underscores the critical role of young people in driving sustainable development and fostering inclusive governance. The submissions during this session will directly inform the deliberations of the 1st Physical Sitting of the 3rd Southern Africa Youth Parliament, scheduled to convene in South Africa at the end of March 2025.

The Youth End Period Poverty Movement's participation is a testament to the growing recognition of menstrual health as a fundamental component of sexual and reproductive health and rights. By addressing period poverty, the movement aims to dismantle the stigma surrounding menstruation, ensure access to affordable menstrual products, and advocate for comprehensive menstrual health education. These efforts are crucial for achieving gender equality and empowering young women and girls to fully participate in education, work, and public life.

The Southern Africa Youth Parliament serves as a youth-led advocacy platform, representing the interests and aspirations of young people across the region. Officially convened under the Southern Africa Youth Forum and mentored by the SADC Parliamentary Forum, this platform provides a unique opportunity for young leaders and stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue, influence policies, and contribute to decision-making processes that shape the future of the SADC region.

The Youth End Period Poverty Movement's submission is expected to highlight the intersection of menstrual health with broader issues such as education, economic empowerment, and gender equality. By addressing these interconnected challenges, the movement seeks to foster a more inclusive and equitable society where no one is held back by their period.

This engagement represents a crucial step forward in the fight against period poverty and underscores the importance of youth-led initiatives in driving transformative change. As the SADC region continues to prioritize sustainable development and inclusive governance, the voices of young people, particularly those advocating for menstrual equity, will play a vital role in shaping a brighter future for all.