Menstruation is a natural part of life, yet for many girls and young women in Malawi, it remains a monthly challenge marked by stigma, shame, and limited access to products and safe facilities. Every day, thousands of girls miss school or feel excluded simply because they are on their period.
At UNFPA, we believe that no girl should be held back because of her period. That’s why we’re rolling out a nationwide campaign to support menstrual health as a right—not a privilege.
Through this campaign, we’re:
Providing accurate and age-appropriate menstrual health education.
Increasing access to safe, affordable, and diverse menstrual products—including reusable pads, menstrual cups, and menstrual underwear.
Creating safe spaces for girls to talk, learn, and thrive.
Working with schools, communities, and leaders to end menstrual stigma and build supportive environments.
Responding in emergencies with dignity kits and menstrual products for displaced girls and women.
Our approach is simple: empower girls with knowledge, dignity, and choice. Together with our partners, we’re building a future where every girl can manage her period safely, confidently, and without shame.
Adolescent girls have the right to learn about menstruation before their first period. By creating a safe and friendly environment, they are free to learn what to expect, allay any fears and ask questions about their body
Join us on this journey. Let’s make Malawi period-friendly—for all.
Menstrual Cups: Advancing Menstrual Health and Dignity
Menstrual health remains a critical yet often overlooked issue affecting adolescent girls and young women in Malawi. The lack of access to safe and sustainable menstrual products, coupled with deep-rooted cultural taboos and stigma, continues to hinder women’s health, education, and economic opportunities. In response, UNFPA Malawi has been at the forefront of championing menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) by introducing alternative, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly menstrual products, including menstrual cups. These efforts align with UNFPA’s broader mandate to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) while addressing gender equality and education barriers.
As part of its MHH strategy, UNFPA Malawi has procured and distributed a total of 3964 menstrual cups to adolescent girls and young women across the country. Through the Joint Programme on Girls’ Education (JPGE) and the Action for Teen Mothers and Adolescent Girls (AfT) initiative, menstrual cups were distributed to implementing partners such as the Malawi Girl Guides Association (MAGGA), the Association of Nurses and Midwives in Malawi (ANAM), and the Water and Environmental Sanitation Network (WESNET). So far, 3964 menstrual cups have been distributed under these programs, benefiting adolescent girls in schools and community-based mentorship platforms. An acceptability study has been conducted which showcased a 94% acceptance of the menstrual cups and they would recommend the cups to other users.
The introduction of menstrual cups offers a range of advantages for Malawian girls and young women, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. Unlike disposable pads, which require monthly purchases and proper disposal facilities, menstrual cups are reusable and can last between five to ten years with proper care. This makes them an economically viable and sustainable solution, significantly reducing the cost burden on families.
Additionally, menstrual cups provide longer-lasting protection compared to other products, enabling girls to attend school without frequent disruptions. Their design also reduces the risk of leakage and odors, enhancing users' confidence and comfort during menstruation.
In implementing this initiative, UNFPA Malawi has collaborated with multiple organizations and stakeholders to ensure effective distribution and education on the use of menstrual cups. Key partners include Malawi Girl Guide Association (MAGGA), CARVE Africa, and the Girls Empowerment Network (GENET), which provide menstrual health education and facilitate mentorship programs where young women receive training on safe menstrual management.
Additionally, UNFPA works closely with government ministries and advocacy networks, such as Water and Environmental Sanitation Network (WESNET), to influence national policies that promote greater access to diverse menstrual products, including menstrual cups. These partnerships have been instrumental in breaking menstrual taboos and fostering a more supportive environment for menstrual health management.
Promoting smart solutions —menstrual cup is reusable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective option for managing periods with dignity.
Despite the progress, challenges remain in expanding the uptake of menstrual cups in Malawi. Cultural perceptions and misconceptions about menstrual cups being invasive or inappropriate have contributed to hesitancy among some girls and their guardians. Additionally, the lack of awareness and training on proper usage has limited the full acceptance of this innovation.
To address these barriers, UNFPA Malawi plans to intensify community engagement and education efforts, ensuring that adolescent girls and young women, as well as their families and teachers, have access to accurate information about the benefits and safe use of menstrual cups.
Looking ahead, UNFPA Malawi remains committed to scaling up menstrual cup education and distribution as part of a broader strategy to enhance menstrual health and hygiene in the country. Future plans include expanding monitoring and evaluation efforts to assess the effectiveness of menstrual cup adoption, as well as advocating for policy reforms that ensure menstrual products are widely accessible and tax-free.
By addressing both supply-side and sociocultural challenges, UNFPA aims to empower adolescent girls and young women with the tools and knowledge, expanded choices for menstrual products including menstrual cups, and create demand for these products, to manage their menstruation with dignity, confidence, and independence.
