Maxwell Mateyu, a 40-year-old man from the area of Traditional Authority Chakhaza in Dowa District, is one of the few men promoting menstrual hygiene management in the area.
He joined the mother group at Nagwira Primary School two years ago to help make reusable sanitary pads as one way of addressing menstrual poverty.
“I was concerned about how girls struggle during menstruation. Menstrual poverty is very high in our community, and it’s difficult for some households to support their girls with proper menstrual products. I felt bad and wondered if I could take part in making reusable sanitary pads,” Mateyu said.
But where did Maxwell get the expertise?
“World Vision has been empowering mother groups to use locally available materials to make reusable sanitary pads. I have been part of the group and now I am able to help the women. World Vision has been very supportive, and we appreciate their efforts,” he explained.
Another man involved in the initiative, Frank Simeon, confessed that he previously had no knowledge of how menstrual poverty affects females in the community.
“I never knew the impact of menstrual hygiene on girls and women until I joined this initiative. Now, I’m proud to be part of making reusable sanitary pads that are changing lives. I encourage all men to join us and help break the stigma around menstruation,” Simeon said.
He added: “Sewing reusable sanitary pads is not just about making a product, it’s about empowering women and girls. It’s about giving them dignity and confidence. I’m calling on all men to join this movement and support menstrual hygiene. Together, we can make a difference.”
Matilda Ben, the chairperson of the Mother Group, explained that menstrual poverty negatively impacts girls’ education, leading to absenteeism and school dropouts.
“Girls grapple with menstrual poverty, which often leads to absenteeism and school dropouts. This initiative has helped girls remain in school, and cases of absenteeism have gone down. The mother group has been instrumental in this effort, and men such as Mateyu and Simeon have been very supportive,” she said.
Carol Lumbalu, World Vision’s Development Facilitator for the Kasangadzi Area, said the organisation’s goal is to ensure that girls can continue attending school during their menstrual periods without fear of embarrassment or discomfort.
“It is our wish to engage more men to realise their role in promoting menstrual hygiene management,” she said.
Commenting on the issue, menstrual hygiene advocate Asayire Kapira explained that menstrual hygiene is not a women’s issue but a human rights issue.
“Men have a crucial role in creating a supportive environment that promotes menstrual health. It’s time they joined the conversation and support menstrual health. Their involvement helps normalise discussions about menstruation and encourages a supportive community environment,” Kapira said.
According to UNFPA, in Malawi, approximately half of school-aged girls lack access to accurate information and hygienic menstrual products.
Only five percent of schools have functional handwashing facilities with soap, and in some areas, there is just one latrine for every 150 students.
These inadequate conditions create significant barriers for girls, causing many to miss school or even drop out entirely.
