How period poverty keeps girls out of school

Menstrual poverty is a significant public health issue in Zambia, particularly in rural communities, where sanitary products are hard to find and, for many, unaffordable. To manage their periods, women and girls use rags, newspaper and even dried cowpats or sand as makeshift absorbent material. A UNICEF study in 2017 found that girls in affected communities missed up to 36 school days each year due to menstruation-related challenges.

The Sydney students worked with Zambian health and education officials to organise distribution and run a public health campaign, creating pamphlets in the local language about how to use the cups and keep them clean. 

On the advice of Chipangali District Health Director, Dr Mutale Masamu, they collaborated with Zambia's Ministry of Education on a school-based education program that encouraged local teachers and older female students to discuss menstruation in class and dispel stigma about the cups, which are not commonly used in the region.

The education campaign was crucial to the project’s success, according to Ms Manjombi.

"Public education is really important," she said. "In this community, there are some fears and cultural perceptions about the cups that we need to diffuse. But the cups have been received positively and the girls are using them."

From Sydney to Zambia: global connections help deliver menstrual cups

The University of Sydney student team worked together throughout the project to overcome every obstacle. They ran fundraising events, enlisted support from family and friends, and spoke about the cause at churches and schools. They set up a crowdfunding page and used social media to raise awareness.

They raised more than $4000 – not enough to cover their initial goal of 500 cups. Hanxiang, an international student from China, solved the problem by contacting Donna Song, founder of Chinese menstrual cup brand, Natari. Song agreed to supply a thousand cups at a discounted rate and ship them to Zambia’s capital, Lusaka.

Misozi, a Zambian international student at the University of Sydney, liaised with contacts on the ground. Through her father, Zambian Member of Parliament Andrew Lubusha, she sought help and advice from relevant government officials. She enlisted local friends to help the shipment clear customs and, finally, to make the delivery to remote Chipangali – only accessible via unpaved and seasonally flooded roads that courier companies avoid.

"The whole thing ran on goodwill – a bunch of people who were kind and generous," Misozi said. "It has reminded me of why I want to work in health and shown me it’s possible to make real change – even at this point in our lives, before we have proper careers. It’s given me hope."

Building future doctors through real-world problem solving

Martin Bown, a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Medicine and Health, ran the Art of Communicating Science module that brought the students together. The group project that anchors the module is designed to develop students’ critical thinking, judgement, resilience and teamwork skills.

"There was a lot of amazing work from students in the module, but the menstrual poverty project group demonstrated extraordinary resourcefulness, strategic thinking and problem solving," said Mr Brown. "These students showed an incredible capacity to prevail over challenges that most of us would find daunting. It’s inspiring to see how passionate and engaged our students can be."

All six group members will graduate this year and hope to pursue careers in medicine. They are considering how they might continue their work together, including possible future shipments of menstrual cups.

There is more to be done in Chipangali. "This problem is very widespread in our community," said Ms Manjombi. "We need to consider a number of approaches, including reusable sanitary pads for those who are anxious about using the cups. 

"I’m so happy about the progress that’s been made and hope we’ll continue to work to build confidence in our girls and address this important dignity issue."