The government has committed to allocating N$5 million annually to a project tackling menstrual poverty among schoolgirls and intensifying free access to skincare products for children with albinism.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare revealed this at the launch of an initiative, dubbed 'Dawn of Dignity', at Keetmanshoop in the ||Kharas Region.
As part of the project, 40,700 packs of sanitary pads worth N$500,000 will be distributed to schools countrywide to benefit schoolgirls.
||Kharas Education Directorate became the first beneficiary of 2,978 packs of sanitary pads for distribution to schools across the region.
"As it does for everyone that has been left behind, we feel the weight of their unspoken pleas. Today, we stand before you to declare: No more. No longer will we allow the sun to steal their health or shame to steal their education. We are here to shatter those barriers with innovation, compassion, and unyielding resolve," said Dr. Ngurare.
The Prime Minister urged support for the initiative from all sectors of society.
"Let us commit to unity in action, and let's bury all other differences when it comes to the welfare of our children. Let us bury all other political differences when it comes to us doing for the good of our children. Let us advocate national unity, justice and equity, and liberty in want. Let us be the reason why the children are not the reason why they are crying."
The Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Emma Kantema, said the initiative aligns with the National Gender Policy, which promotes equity, inclusion, and access to resources for women and girls.
"This includes tackling poverty and supporting health measures for all, regardless of physical differences. Furthermore, the initiative is embedded in our ministry's draft strategic plan 2025-2030, which prioritises innovative, sustainable interventions for child welfare and gender mainstreaming."
The initiative will be spearheaded by the Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare in collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Social Services, Education and Finance.