Angola Discusses Menstrual Dignity at National Conference

LUANDA, Angola, 28 May - Organised by the AfriYAN Angola network, with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the 2nd National Conference on Education and Menstrual Hygiene was held on Tuesday 28 May.

The conference brought together around 250 participants from different regions of Angola, including political decision-makers, educators, students, health experts, civil society organisations and UN agencies.

Yolanda Miguel, Coordinator of the AfriYAN Network, emphasised that this is a biannual event held in celebration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day, the aim of this edition being to contribute to the debate on the need to create mechanisms to reduce the cost of sanitary towels and other supplies needed for menstrual hygiene.

Dr Marina Coelho, UNFPA Assistant Representative, spoke on behalf of the UNFPA Angola Representative, Dr Mady Biaye, pointing out the progress made by Angola and the challenges that still persist and are faced by girls and women on a daily basis. She also mentioned the projects in which UNFPA is involved in partnership with government and civil society partners on menstrual health issues, congratulating and thanking Angola for its commitment to this important agenda.

In her speech, Mrs. Marina said: ‘There are still some challenges on wich we must work together if menstrual health and hygiene are to become an established right for all women and girls. These challenges include the lack of financial resources to buy suitable products, access to water, basic sanitation and social inequality.’ Ms Marina added: ‘UNFPA once again reaches out to its partners so that together we can advocate and work to promote, for instance, the reduction or exemption of taxes on menstrual products or raw materials for making reusable menstrual products.’ (You can watch the full speech HERE).

The conference featured several sessions, including a panel that addressed issues related to menstrual dignity and health for all women and girls, as well as innovation and solutions.

During the event, UNFPA set up an information stand, where participants had the opportunity to explore an exhibition space for reusable menstrual pads and other products to support menstrual cycle management, and also received leaflets with enlightening and educational messages about menstrual health.

The 2nd National Conference on Menstrual Hygiene Education provided a platform for policymakers, educators, health experts and civil society organisations to share their experiences and best practices for implementing menstrual hygiene education.

See some images from the event:

(The event was attended by around 250 people)

(Dr Marina Coelho, Assistant Representative, speaking on behalf of the UNFPA Angola Representative)

(Presidium table with representatives of the Luanda Provincial Government, the Secretary of State of Social Acyion, Family and Women Promotion Ministry, AfriYAN and UNFPA)