14/04/2026
At Push Girls Foundation, our mission is to ensure that girls are placed at the center of development by addressing the systemic barriers that limit their full participation in society. One of the most critical yet often overlooked challenges affecting adolescent girls ,especially those living with disabilities is limited access to adequate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities and essential menstrual health products.
Menstruation is a natural and essential part of life, experienced by over 1.8 billion girls and women globally. However, millions are still unable to manage their periods safely and with dignity due to poverty, stigma, and lack of resources . In Sub-Saharan Africa, including Zambia, 1 in 10 girls misses school during menstruation, largely due to inadequate access to sanitary products and safe sanitation facilities . This not only affects their academic performance but also contributes to long-term inequalities in education and opportunity.
The situation is even more critical for girls and women living with disabilities. They face a “double burden” of stigma both from menstruation and disability. Research shows that many lack access to inclusive sanitation facilities, appropriate menstrual materials, and tailored health education. In some cases, inaccessible toilets force girls with disabilities to manage their periods in unsafe and undignified conditions, increasing their risk of infections and social exclusion . Globally, billions of people still lack access to basic sanitation, further compounding these challenges for vulnerable populations .
In Zambia, despite ongoing efforts, menstrual hygiene management remains a significant challenge. Many girls still rely on unsafe alternatives such as cloth due to limited access to sanitary products, and inadequate school facilities continue to contribute to absenteeism and discomfort . Period poverty defined as the lack of access to menstrual products, education, and sanitation facilities continues to limit girls’ confidence, dignity, and participation in everyday life.
It is against this background that Push Girls Foundation continues to take action.
We were honored to visit Kanya Special Needs School, where we conducted a comprehensive menstrual health awareness session tailored to girls with disabilities. The session focused on breaking stigma, promoting menstrual hygiene practices, and creating a safe space for open conversation. In addition, we distributed 15 sanitary kits, each containing reusable sanitary pads and essential hygiene items, to support girls in managing their periods with dignity.
Our work goes beyond distribution we are committed to restoring dignity, improving school attendance, and ensuring that no girl is left behind simply because of her period or her disability.
At Push Girls Foundation, we believe that addressing period poverty is not just a health issue it is a matter of equity, dignity, and human right
