‘I’m Just a Girl’ project targets period poverty among young schoolgirls
Faith Nghipunya, chief executive of Faith’s Creations, has launched an initiative aimed at tackling period poverty and keeping girls in school.
The project, titled 'I’m Just a Girl – Keep the Girl Child in School', targets learners aged 11 to 15.
It provides sanitary pads and runs workshops to educate girls about menstruation, helping them manage their periods with confidence and avoid missing classes.
Period poverty remains a global challenge. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Unicef, only about 39% of schools worldwide offer menstrual health education. Fewer than one in three have adequate facilities, such as bins for menstrual waste. In Africa, the figures are even lower.
While many organisations focus on high school learners, Nghipunya says the most vulnerable transition happens earlier, between the ages of 11 and 15.
“At this age, girls are often confused and unsupported. No girl should miss a single school day or lose her dignity because of a natural biological process,” says Nghipunya.
“No girl should be left behind or feel ashamed. Every day a girl stays in school is a victory,” she adds.
She says her aim is clear: to end period poverty and ensure young girls stay in the classroom.
The project will launch in April in the Ohangwena Region, starting with three schools as part of a pilot phase.
“From there, our vision is to reach thousands of learners nationwide."
Nghipunya says providing sanitary products is only part of the solution.
"We want the girls to understand what is happening to their bodies, to feel confident, and to never be caught off guard.”
Workshops under the 'I’m Just a Girl – Keep the Girl Child in School' initiative will cover menstrual hygiene management, puberty and biology, cycle tracking and self-image.
“Our goal is for them to feel empowered, to know their bodies, and to never allow fear or shame to keep them from learning,” she adds.
Lend a hand
Collaboration lies at the heart of the initiative.
Nghipunya works closely with school officials, sponsors and community leaders.
“This is a national issue, and everyone has a role to play. We are building a collective solution for Namibian girls,” she says.
Support for the project goes beyond donating sanitary pads.
Nghipunya says people can help by offering logistical support, volunteering as workshop educators, promoting the initiative on social media or contributing financially towards educational materials and hygiene packs.
"Even sharing our mission on social media helps us reach potential sponsors; it all makes a difference."
The project will measure its impact mainly through school attendance rates.
“If the girls in our programme no longer miss school during their menstruation, we have succeeded,” Nghipunya says.
Organisers will also conduct surveys before and after the workshops to assess changes in knowledge and confidence, ensuring the programme delivers measurable results.
