It has been established that the scarcity of sanitary products, clean water, and private facilities continue to affect the hygiene and dignity of girls at Dzaleka Camp in Dowa district.
Despite the camp’s size and complexity, Dzaleka faces numerous challenges including inadequate infrastructure, limited resources, and insufficient access to basic services including the lack of menstrual hygiene management facilities and services.
Inua Advocacy, an independent civil society organization dedicated to advocating for refugee rights in Malawi, has been working tirelessly to address the challenges affecting girls’ education in Dzaleka Refugee Camp.
Recently, they organized a meeting to highlight barriers hindering education, and menstrual health was at the forefront of the discussion.
During the meeting, Dorothy Mzungu, Acting Chief Education Officer in Dowa, shed light on the harsh reality faced by refugee girls and women.
“Refugee camps are a neglected place when it comes to menstrual hygiene,” she said, her words echoing the concerns of many.
“Lack of proper menstrual materials is a challenge hindering girls’ education.”
Aisha ( not her real name ) , a 14-year-old refugee, had experienced firsthand the struggles of managing her menstruation without access to sanitary products or clean water.
“Girls in the camp struggle alot. There are so many challenges here and for us to find proper menstrual materials, it is not easy. We really need help,” she said.
Mzungu emphasized the need for collective action, stating, “We must prioritize and invest in comprehensive menstrual hygiene management solutions that ensure dignity, safety, and equality for all refugee women and girls.”
The room was filled with a sense of determination, as attendees vowed to work together to address this critical issue.
Inua Advocacy’s efforts had sparked a movement, and it was time for collective efforts to ensure that all refugees, regardless of their gender or background, received the support and resources they deserved.
The story of Aisha and countless others would not be forgotten.
