Menstruation often means a painful and embarrassing interruption in the lives of girls and young women, preventing them from going to school, playing and taking part in their daily activities. For Francisca Mbuale, 15, this experience is no longer a barrier, but a symbol of overcoming and empowerment.

Francisca lives in the Municipality of Bibala, Namibe Province, and with a shy smile, she talks about how valuable it was to take part in the Programme's talks. "I learnt about my body hygiene".

Like other teenagers in her neighborhood, Francisca had the opportunity to take part in lecture sessions on topics such as sexual and reproductive health, menstrual health management, sexually transmitted infections and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV), where the participants received dignity kits.

The menstrual control watch is part of the dignity kit. Francisca confidently explains how she learnt to use it to control her cycle: "For example, if my period starts today, the 13th, I turn the watch and line up the dot on the number 1, counting that today is the first day. I continue like this until the 5th day, which is the last day of my period."

(Francisca demonstrating how the smart cycle works | ©UNFPA Angola/Dorivaldo Caetano)

The transformation in Francisca's routine came with the introduction of reusable panty liners, an essential part of the Dignity Kit she received. Francisca recognises and deeply values the importance of this item. "I take very good care of the panty we received. I wash them carefully and lay them out to dry."

With these reusable panty, Francisca's routine has changed: "I can go to school normally because they don't stain. I can go to church and anywhere I want."

About the programme:
The Menstrual Health Management and Life-Saving Support Programme for Young People and Internally Displaced Persons (Cunene and Namibe) is a humanitarian response to girls and young women and boys aged 10 to 19 on the issues of sexual and reproductive health (SRH), menstrual health management, sexually transmitted infections, and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV). From January to December 2023, 13,500 people were reached with key messages on SRH, GBV, 4,500 dignity kits were delivered to girls, 55 trainers in menstrual health management were certified and sexual and reproductive health kits to support the work of midwives and enable clean births were distributed to 30,000 women in hospital units. Likewise, kits for treating sexually transmitted infections were delivered to 30,000 people in reference hospital units. This initiative is the result of a partnership between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Government of Angola and is funded by the Government of Japan through its Embassy in Angola.

Text and photo: Dorivaldo Caetano, Social Media Associate