Periods Shouldn’t Stop Potential: Why Menstrual Health Day Matters for Malawi’s Girls

On today, the 28 May, the world marks the UN recognised Menstrual Health Day, a moment to raise awareness, challenge taboos, and promote access to menstrual hygiene. But for Think Malawi, this isn’t just a one-day observance. In 2025, we’ve made menstrual health the central focus of our work, because education should never stop for something as natural as a period.

What Menstrual Health Means for Girls in Malawi

In Malawi, girls in rural areas struggle the most with menstruation often means missing school. Importantly, over 80% of primary and secondary schools are classified as rural by the Malawian government. With no access to sanitary products, private toilets, or support, many girls stay at home during their periods. Some eventually drop out altogether.

Government data from the 2023/24 school year shows that:

• Of the 2.7 million girls in primary school, nearly one million girls in primary school are of menstruating age.

• Over 268,000 girls attend secondary school- all expected to be menstruating.

• More than 14,600 secondary school girls dropped out last year, with pregnancy and early marriage cited as leading causes- issues closely linked to poor menstrual health education and lack of support

These numbers reflect systemic barriers, yet the solution can be simple and effective.

Think Malawi’s 2025 Focus: Menstrual Health Projects

Think Malawi has always worked hand in hand with local communities to improve access to education and this year we have decided to target Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHM) projects. In 2025, our goal is to raise £25,000 to support four life-changing.

We’re focusing on:

• Providing reusable sanitary pads

• Building private changing rooms and wash facilities

• Delivering educational sessions on sexual and reproductive health

• Engaging boys, parents, and teachers to end stigma

These projects don’t just tackle hygiene- they open the door for dignity, safety, and long-term educational success.

Already Think Malawi has successfully started 2 of these 4 projects.

Alongside our Malawian partner Women Palm Tree Organisation we are helping 600 girls in the Dzaleka Refugee Camp Katubza Full Primary School providing lessons for the young girls, forming teams of 10 girls and also providing 5 tailoring machines. Read more about this project here.

Think Malawi will continue updating our readers on our projects throughout this year on this website, however, there are other ways to also stay updated through our social media such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X or join our monthly newsletter.