The Deputy Minister of Health and Social Service, Suzan Ndjaleka, has called for a more supportive school environment for girls.
 
She made the call at the Global Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management Day celebration at Keetmanshoop on Wednesday.
 
Learners from various schools in Keetmanshoop gathered for the event held under the theme "Together, we can make menstruation a normal fact of life in 2030."
 
The theme advocates for normalising menstruation by addressing challenges such as limited access to menstrual products, accurate information, water, sanitation and support.
 
“Our young people need comprehensive, accurate and supportive health information that enables them to make informed decisions and protect their health and their future. Menstrual health should therefore be viewed within a broader approach to adolescent and youth health and well-being."
 
Ndjaleka said schools have a central role to play by providing learners with accurate age-appropriate information on puberty, menstruation and menstrual hygiene. 
 
Keetmanshoop beauty queens also called for greater awareness and support to address menstrual stigma and period poverty.
 
"Boys need to understand menstruation; surely boys are allowed to ask questions. Boys need to learn about empathy because we cannot break the menstrual stigma by educating girls alone. We need boys to become the young man who says, "Don't laugh at her; help her,” noted Miss Keetmanshoop Secondary School Cayren Engelbrecht.

“No girls have to choose to buy food or buy sanitary products. "No girl should be embarrassed to miss school or feel less worthy because she is on her period; menstruation is not dirty or shameful. Menstruation is natural,” added Miss Pre-Teen Africa Namibia Lizaan Kamburute.