UNICEF delivers menstrual health management commodities to support vulnerable girls under Hlokomela Banana

Maseru, 20 September 2023 – In a significant stride towards promoting menstrual health management, UNICEF Lesotho presented menstrual health management commodities valued at USD 15,000.00 to Her Majesty’s Hlokomela Banana. The hand-over ceremony held at the Royal Palace in Maseru, was graced by Her Majesty Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso and UNICEF Lesotho Representative Mr. Deepak Bhaskaran.

This gesture by UNICEF Lesotho marks a crucial step forward in addressing period poverty and underscores UNICEF's resolute dedication to supporting vulnerable girls. For Lesotho, many young girls and women face formidable challenges when managing their menstruation, whether at home, school, or work. The country grapples with inadequate infrastructure encompassing essential menstrual management resources, sanitation facilities, reliable water supply, and hygienic amenities. Consequently, a significant number of individuals, particularly in marginalized areas, resort to using unsuitable substitutes to cope with menstruation, which jeopardizes their health and subjects them to embarrassment.

UNICEF Lesotho Representative, Mr. Deepak Bhaskaran, affirmed, “UNICEF Lesotho remains steadfast in its commitment to support Lesotho’s endeavors to dismantle taboos and expand access to essential sanitary products." He added, "We are dedicated to fostering a collaborative approach, involving multiple stakeholders and partners, to ensure accurate and timely information on menstruation, cost-effective menstrual materials, supportive facilities encompassing water, sanitation, and hygiene services, prompt medical attention for menstrual-related discomforts, and nurturing environments devoid of stigma and psychological distress.”

Hlokomela Banana, an initiative of the Queen’s National Trust Fund, was founded with the vision of ensuring that every school-going girl does not a miss a day of school owing to her monthly period. In this regard, Her Majesty has rallied to ensure that girls in high schools across the country receive support in the form of menstrual materials to cover at least one school year.

“It is important that we understand that lack of sanitary towels for girls has adverse effects not only school attendance, but also has ripple effects on the economic and social development of our country. Let us all put our hands together and eradicate period poverty in Lesotho”. said Her Majesty, Queen 'Maseenate Mohato Seeiso.

The contribution presented is the culmination of UNICEF’s 2022 menstrual health and hygiene supplies distribution, benefiting 5,752 girls across 32 schools. The gesture also marks Hlokomela Banana’s milestone of supporting 0ver 9,200 girls in 85 schools this year. This support marks a pivotal stride towards realizing comprehensive menstrual health and hygiene solutions for the betterment of Basotho women and girls. 

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About Hlokomela Banana 
Hlokomela Banana was initiated in 2015 under the Queen’s National Trust Fund. Through various multi-stakeholder partnerships, Hlokomela Banana works towards the support of school-going girls via an annual supply of menstrual materials, thus restoring dignity and securing Their Freedom, Our Future.