We Need a Law for Free Sanitary Pads, Not Just Campaigns — Buumba Malambo

By Pauline Ngozoh

Kafue Member of Parliament Buumba Malambo has called for Zambia to introduce legislation guaranteeing free sanitary pads for schoolgirls, arguing that menstrual poverty cannot be addressed through awareness campaigns and social media discussions alone.

Speaking during a stakeholder meeting in Lusaka, Malambo said the country needs a legal framework that would compel the Government to manufacture, fund and distribute sanitary pads in schools, ensuring that girls do not miss lessons simply because they cannot afford menstrual products.

Her remarks come a week after Chienge Member of Parliament Given Katuta Mwelwa questioned why condoms are distributed free of charge while sanitary pads remain unaffordable for many girls and women.

Girls Should Not Have to Leave School Because of Menstruation

Malambo expressed concern that menstrual poverty continues to disadvantage girls academically, particularly those from vulnerable households who may struggle to afford sanitary products.

She argued that sanitary pads should be readily available in school toilets, allowing girls to manage their periods without interrupting their education.

“If the pads are in the toilets, the child can just have access and go back to class, not go back home. Time is ticking, the boy child is moving very fast,” she said.

The lawmaker believes that making sanitary products easily accessible would help remove one of the barriers affecting girls’ participation in education.

A Law That Would Put Sanitary Pads in the National Budget

Malambo said the Government should move beyond voluntary programmes and establish a legal requirement to provide free sanitary pads in schools.

“Where is the law that compels government to manufacture pads free? They should even indicate ‘Not For Sale’,” she said.

She explained that legislation would create a stronger basis for allocating public funds to menstrual hygiene products through the national budget.

“When there is a framework, government will be compelled to put that issue in the budget. If it’s in the budget, you find government now starts having companies, government companies, that manufacture pads for schools. You find now the President will start talking about investors to come and manufacture pads in Zambia.”

Her proposal would also encourage investment in local manufacturing, potentially creating opportunities for Zambian companies to produce affordable menstrual products while supporting a national distribution programme.

Ensuring Free Pads Reach Even the Most Remote Schools

Malambo said a legally established programme would also make it easier for Members of Parliament and other public officials to monitor the distribution of sanitary pads, similar to oversight of the School Feeding Programme.

She explained that representatives should be able to visit schools in their constituencies and establish whether the promised supplies have actually reached learners.

“Have they reached Kapoko school? The furthest school in my area up the hill. Has it reached there? You find the pads ‘Not For Sale’. Then you know government is working,” she said.

Her proposal adds to growing calls for menstrual hygiene to be treated as an essential educational and public health concern rather than a responsibility left entirely to families, charities and occasional donations.

The central question now is whether Zambia should move from campaigns promoting menstrual dignity to a legally enforceable commitment that ensures every schoolgirl who needs sanitary pads can access them free of charge.