We are pleased to share the recent accomplishments of Wilderness Gate’s WASH programme, which continues to make a significant impact on the lives of girls from vulnerable communities.
In June 2024, 120 reusable sanitary pads were distributed to girls attending the Riverside Farm Institute Secondary School. Each of the students come from vulnerable communities across the country.
Additionally, 40 reusable sanitary pads have been distributed to girls in Mutoni Village, Ncheta Island, Bwalya Mponda, Lunga District; the site of a recently launched Agro-Forestry Project for 5 new Farm Stew communities.
As menstruation is still viewed as a taboo topic in the region, millions of women and girls are forced to endure limited or no access to adequate menstrual hygiene education and, by any means, affordable products, private sanitation facilities and clean water. Sadly, young girls are very commonly given off in marriage in what is commonly called Child Marriage – an illegal custom – but tolerated and even participated in by local traditional leaders.
The purpose of the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programme for female hygiene focuses on menstrual hygiene education, health, and well-being, ensuring access to clean water, private sanitation facilities, and hygiene products. It aims to reduce infections, improve school attendance, provide privacy and dignity, empower women through education, and address economic burdens. These initiatives promote gender equality and enable women and girls to participate fully in education and society, and contribute to overall community development.
However small, these recent distributions are vital steps in promoting hygiene, health, and education for young girls and ensure they can attend school with confidence and dignity. To this end, we invite you to contribute to these projects by visiting wildernessgate.org/contribute.
Your support of Wilderness Gate and our efforts together with FARM STEW International play a vital role in furthering our mission in the remote areas of Zambia. We are grateful for your support and can’t wait to share the progress we’re able to make through your contributions.
