From 11 to 15 December 2023, UNFPA carried out a monitoring visit to the provinces of Cunene and Namibe, where, in the target municipalities affected by the drought, the Menstrual Health Management and Life-Saving Support Programme for Young People and Internally Displaced Persons is being implemented in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
These visits were accompanied by a multi-sectoral group at provincial level, made up of representatives from the Social Action, Family and Gender Equality Office (GASFIG), the Civil Protection Service, the Education Office and the Health Office, as well as other local authorities.
In Cunene province, a visit was made to the Drought Displaced Persons Reception Centre in the municipality of Calueque, where an awareness-raising event was held with information on menstrual health management, teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and the prevention of gender-based violence, followed by the delivery of dignity kits. UNFPA has set up a multi-purpose tent at this centre known as Adolescents and Women' Friendly Space, where girls and young women gather to discuss issues related to sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence (GBV), in a protected and friendly environment.
In the Namibe province, a visit was also made to the "Adolescent and Women's Friendly Space" multi-purpose tent, set up in Bairro Construção, in the municipality of Bibala, where an awareness-raising event was held with information on menstrual health management, teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and the prevention of gender-based violence, followed by the delivery of dignity kits to the girls.
The menstrual dignity kits are sets of personal hygiene and protection products and objects that serve to motivate women, girls and teenagers to pay more attention to their personal hygiene, prevent illness and protect themselves against any aggression they may face in their search for water and survival products for their families and households. The kit consists of pants suitable for using pads, three waterproof and reusable pads. It also comes with a bucket, toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, slippers, cloth, torch, whistle and a menstrual control watch (Smartcycle).
From January to December 2023, 10,500 girls and 3,000 boys were reached with key messages on sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence; 4,500 dignity kits were delivered to girls aged 10 to 19; 55 trainers were trained and certified in menstrual health management and clean delivery kits for pregnant women and midwives were distributed in reference health units, as well as sexual infection prevention kits in the provinces of Cunene and Namibe.
