Youth End Period Poverty Movement - Blog , StatementsYouth End Period Poverty Movement - Blog , Statementshttps://www.yeppm.org/blogs/statementsFri, 13 Mar 2026 03:15:42 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[International Women's Day 2026 Statement - Youth End Period Poverty Movement]]>https://www.yeppm.org/blogs/post/enter-your-post-titleyouth-end-period-poverty-movement-internationTheme: "Give to Gain – Invest in Menstrual Equity to Unlock a World of Potential" This International Women’s Day , as the world rallies under ]]>
Theme: "Give to Gain – Invest in Menstrual Equity to Unlock a World of Potential"

This International Women’s Day, as the world rallies under the theme "Give to Gain," we are faced with a fundamental contradiction that we can no longer ignore. We cannot speak of investing in women and girls while simultaneously leaving them to bleed in silence and shame. We cannot claim to champion progress when a natural biological function continues to be a primary barrier to education, dignity, and opportunity.

The "Give to Gain" theme speaks to the power of collective support. For the Youth End Period Poverty Movement, this call to action is profoundly literal. To give menstrual equity, through accessible products, comprehensive education, and the dismantling of stigma is to gain a future where no girl misses a day of school, no woman is forced to compromise her dignity, and an entire generation is empowered to reach its full potential.

Period poverty is not a niche issue, it is a systemic failure that holds half of humanity back. It is a crisis of equity that directly contradicts the very spirit of this day. We cannot celebrate the power of women when millions can't afford the basic sanitary wear required to simply participate in daily life.

Today, we call on governments, policymakers, and global leaders to understand that investing in menstrual equity is not just a charitable act, it is a strategic investment in our collective future. It is an investment in education, in economic productivity, and in public health.

We demand action, not just acknowledgment. We call for:
  • The elimination of taxes on menstrual products, recognizing them as essential items, not luxuries.
  • The integration of free, sustainable menstrual products in schools, public institutions, and marginalized communities.
  • The implementation of age-appropriate, stigma-free menstrual education for all genders, fostering understanding and solidarity from a young age.
  • Increased funding for research and community-led initiatives that address the intersectional nature of period poverty.

The Youth End Period Poverty Movement refuses to accept a world where a girl's future is dictated by her period. We are committed to building a period-friendly world where menstruation is a normal fact of life, not a barrier to it.

This International Women's Day, let us move beyond symbolism. Let us give what is needed so that every woman and girl can gain the life she deserves. Let us invest in periods to unlock a world of potential. Because when we achieve menstrual equity, everyone wins.

The time to give is now. The gain will be a more just and equal world for all.


]]>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 11:11:37 +0200<![CDATA[Youth End Period Poverty Movement Appoints Jessica Mmola Lulu as New Executive Director]]>https://www.yeppm.org/blogs/post/youth-end-period-poverty-movement-amplifies-grassroots-voices-at-au-eu-forum-in-angola1Lusaka, Zambia – The Youth End Period Poverty Movement is delighted to announce the appointment of Jessica Mmola Lulu as its new Executive Director, e ]]>

Lusaka, Zambia – The Youth End Period Poverty Movement is delighted to announce the appointment of Jessica Mmola Lulu as its new Executive Director, effective 1 February 2026.


With a deep-rooted dedication to advancing menstrual equity and a distinguished career in advocacy, Jessica is poised to lead the organisation into a dynamic new chapter of strategic growth and amplified impact. She succeeds Washington Mumbamarwo, the visionary Founder and inaugural Director of the movement, whose leadership has been instrumental in establishing the organisation's foundational success.

Bringing a wealth of experience to the role, Jessica previously served as the organisation's Programs Director, where she was instrumental in shaping and executing key initiatives. Her intimate knowledge of our operations, unwavering passion for our mission, and extensive background in continental advocacy will be invaluable as the Movement seeks to deepen its influence and expand its reach in the fight to end period poverty.

The Youth End Period Poverty Movement extends its deepest gratitude to Washington Mumbamarwo for his visionary leadership and remains committed to championing dignity, education, and access for all.

]]>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 07:14:00 +0200<![CDATA[Youth End Period Poverty Movement Amplifies Grassroots Voices at AU-EU Forum in Angola]]>https://www.yeppm.org/blogs/post/youth-end-period-poverty-movement-amplifies-grassroots-voices-at-au-eu-forum-in-angolaLaunda, Angola - The Youth End Period Poverty Movement is proud to announce its active participation in the AU-EU CSO & Youth Forum, taking place ]]>

Launda, Angola - The Youth End Period Poverty Movement is proud to announce its active participation in the AU-EU CSO & Youth Forum, taking place in Launda, Angola, from November 20-21, 2025. Converned on the margins of the 7th AU-EU Summit, this pivotal gathering serves as a vital platform for civil society and young leaders to collaboratively shape a sustainable and inclusive future for both Africa and Europe.


Representing the movement at this high-level dialogue, Founding Director Washington Mumbamarwo underscored the organisation's commitment to inclusive advocacy. "We have come to Launda carrying the voices of grassroots youths and women from our communities," said Washington. "Our mission is clear: to move menstrual equity from the sidelines to the centre of the international development agenda and to ensure young people are recognised and empowered as co-architects of our shared future."


The forum provides a critical space to influence the priorities of the intergovernmental summit. In this spirit, the Youth End Period Poverty Movement made a significant contribution by participating in the drafting and presentation of key recommendations focused on strengthening multilateralism. The movement's input emphasised that effective, sustainable solutions to global challenges must be co-created with young people and communities they are designed to serve.


By integrating menstrual health and youth participation into the broader dialogue on multilateral cooperation, the movement is championing a vision where youth and women are not merely beneficiaries, but the principal architects of a sustainable, equatable, and prosperous future for both Africa and Europe. 

]]>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 07:14:00 +0200<![CDATA[The Youth End Period Poverty Movement Joins Zambia in Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Kenneth Kaunda]]>https://www.yeppm.org/blogs/post/the-youth-end-period-poverty-movement-joins-zambia-in-honoring-the-legacy-of-dr.-kenneth-kaunda


On this special occasion of Kenneth Kaunda Day 2025, the Youth End Period Poverty Movement joins the nation and the global community in celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia’s founding father and a towering figure in the fight for freedom, dignity, and social justice. 

Dr. Kaunda’s unwavering commitment to human rights, equality, and Pan-African solidarity continues to inspire our work in advocating for menstrual equity and the eradication of period poverty. His belief in a just and inclusive society aligns with our mission to ensure that no girl or woman is denied education, health, or opportunity due to lack of access to menstrual products and education. 

As we reflect on his profound contributions to Zambia and the world, we recommit ourselves to upholding his values of compassion, resilience, and service to humanity. Today, we honor his profound contributions and reaffirm our commitment to building a more just and inclusive world in his spirit. 

Happy Kenneth Kaunda Day!!!

]]>Mon, 28 Apr 2025 13:53:20 +0200<![CDATA[Justice for Cwecwe - Stand Against Child Rape!!!]]>https://www.yeppm.org/blogs/post/justice-for-cwecwe-stand-against-child-rape

We, the Youth End Period Poverty Movement, stand in unwavering solidarity with Cwecwe, the seven-year-old survivor of a horrific rape at her school in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Our hearts ache for Cwecwe, her family, and all survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) who endure unimaginable pain. No child should ever suffer such brutality, and no perpetrator should escape accountability.

This heinous crime is a stark reminder of the pervasive violence faced by women, girls, and vulnerable communities in South Africa and beyond. We demand:

  1. Justice for Cwecwe – A thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation leading to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrator.

  2. Protection for Learners – Immediate measures to ensure schools are safe spaces, including GBV prevention programs, trauma support, and stricter safeguarding policies.

  3. Systemic Change – Government, law enforcement, and educational institutions must prioritize ending GBV through policy reform, survivor-centered justice, and community education.

  4. Support for Survivors – Access to free medical care, psychosocial support, and legal aid for Cwecwe and all GBV survivors.

We call on all youth, activists, and allies to break the silence, challenge rape culture, and hold institutions accountable. GBV is not just a women’s issue, it is a human rights crisis demanding collective action.


]]>Mon, 07 Apr 2025 12:05:07 +0200<![CDATA[Condemnation of Rising Child Sexual Violence in Zambia and Call for Urgent Action]]>https://www.yeppm.org/blogs/post/condemnation-of-rising-child-sexual-violence-in-zambia-and-call-for-urgent-action1

The Youth End Period Poverty Movement (YEPPM) strongly condemns the alarming surge in cases of child rape, defilement, and sexual violence across Zambia. Every child has the inherent right to safety, dignity, and protection from harm, and the current crisis represents a grave violation of these fundamental rights.


We stand in solidarity with survivors and demand:

  1. Justice for Victims: Expedited investigations, survivor-centered legal processes, and stringent punishment for perpetrators.

  2. Strengthened Law Enforcement: Enhanced capacity for police and judiciary to handle cases of child abuse with urgency and sensitivity.

  3. Policy Alignment with SADC Standards: Full adoption and implementation of the SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children Already in Marriage, including setting the minimum age of marriage at 18 without exception.

  4. Community & Institutional Accountability: Collective action to dismantle cultures of silence, including awareness campaigns, mandatory reporting mechanisms, and protection for whistleblowers.

Silence is complicity. We call on the Zambian government, regional bodies, civil society, and citizens to:

  • Report abuse through secure channels.

  • Educate communities on child rights and gender-based violence.

  • Invest in survivor support (medical, legal, and psychosocial services).


]]>Fri, 04 Apr 2025 09:23:09 +0200<![CDATA[YEPPM International Women's Day 2025 Statement]]>https://www.yeppm.org/blogs/post/yeppm-international-women-s-day-2025-statement1
]]>Sat, 08 Mar 2025 20:31:54 +0200<![CDATA[YEPPM New Year Director's Statement]]>https://www.yeppm.org/blogs/post/yeppm-director-s-statementDear Partners, Stakeholders, and Community Members,  As we begin a new year, I would want to take a moment to reflect on our past year and to shar ]]>

Dear Partners, Stakeholders, and Community Members, 


As we begin a new year, I would want to take a moment to reflect on our past year and to share our priorities for 2025. Our tireless efforts have resulted in tremendous progress in advancing women's sexual and reproductive rights and combating period poverty. 


The Youth End Period Poverty Movement has signed collaboration agreements with local, regional, and international organizations to combat period poverty, advance women’s rights, and promote gender equality. 2024 was a year of resilience and growth, and with your unwavering support, we reached thousands of people through advocacy campaigns, outreach initiatives, and educational programs. The Movement has also provided mentorship and education on menstruation and SRHR to youth activists and youth-led initiatives, equipping them with the tools they need to advocate for themselves and their communities. 


Our work is far from over, as millions of women and girls continue to face obstacles that keep them from obtaining education, information about their sexual and reproductive rights, and essential menstrual hygiene supplies. We must work together in order to eliminate these obstacles and guarantee that no one is disadvantaged by their own biological processes. As we look ahead to 2025, we are filled with hope and determination. Our goals for the coming year include: 

1. Expanding Access: Our goal is to expand our distribution networks for menstrual products in underprivileged areas, guaranteeing and restoring the dignity of women and girls. 

2. Educational Programs: In order to enable young people to make knowledgeable decisions about their bodies, we intend to further strengthen our educational programs and educational materials on sexual health, reproductive rights, and managing menstrual hygiene. 

3. Advocacy and Policy Change: In order to advance menstrual equity and guarantee that sexual and reproductive rights are acknowledged as essential human rights, we will keep advocating for legislative changes at the local, national, and international levels. 

4. Research and Awareness: To better understand the needs and difficulties of women and girls experiencing period poverty, we will give priority to data collection and research. This will help us to inform our strategies and policies. 


As we embark on this new year, I invite you to join us in our mission to advancing the rights of women and girls.Together, we can create a world where everyone has the right to access the products and support they need to live with dignity and confidence. 


Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and purposeful New Year!


Warm regards, 

Washington Mumbamarwo 

Executive Director, Youth End Period Poverty Movement 

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