President of the Republic of Botswana, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, today officially launched a nationwide initiative to provide free sanitary pads to female students, starting at Mogoditshane Senior Secondary School. The landmark program is aimed at improving menstrual health and dignity for over 400,000 schoolgirls across the country.
In his keynote address, President Boko emphasized that access to sanitary products is not a privilege, but a fundamental right for every young girl. He noted that the initiative will ensure that no student misses school due to a lack of menstrual hygiene products.
“Menstrual health should never be a barrier to education. With this initiative, we are affirming our commitment to gender equality, dignity, and the empowerment of every girl child in Botswana,” President Boko said.
The government has allocated P69 million to fund the program, which will include the free distribution of sanitary pads in public schools nationwide. In a notable gesture of inclusivity, 10 percent of the total supplies will be dedicated to learners living with disabilities.
Accompanying the President at the launch, Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Ms Nono Kgafela-Mokoka, provided an overview of the initiative. She confirmed that the program targets all female students aged up to 19 years in government schools.
“We are working closely with schools and district education offices to ensure seamless distribution of sanitary pads. This initiative will not only improve school attendance but also boost self-esteem and promote menstrual hygiene awareness,” Minister Kgafela-Mokoka said.
The launch event included a symbolic handover of sanitary pad packages to students at Mogoditshane Senior Secondary School, who expressed gratitude and excitement over the development.
The government’s effort marks a significant step forward in addressing period poverty in Botswana, which has long been a challenge for girls in underserved communities. The program is expected to reduce absenteeism, improve academic performance, and eliminate stigma associated with menstruation.
As the distribution begins across the country, education officials, parents, and civil society groups have welcomed the initiative as a transformative move that puts the well-being of the girl child at the center of national development.
The nationwide rollout will continue in phases, with schools in urban and rural districts expected to receive supplies in the coming weeks.
