
Barometer 2026 Menstrual, Maternal Health

Gender Links launched the Menstrual, Maternal, and Family Planning Health chapter under the 2026 Barometer in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child. Key findings from the regional evidence were presented, highlighting both progress and challenges across SADC countries, including gaps in menstrual health coverage in the SADC Gender Protocol. Rita shared her work empowering girls in Bindura, Zimbabwe through psychosocial support and sexual reproductive health rights, while Veronica presented a successful youth-led digital referral app campaign in Namibia that increased adolescent access to contraceptive services. Leah from South Africa described their peer education program training young advocates in schools to promote menstrual health and comprehensive sexuality education. The meeting concluded with the post-2030 agenda recommendations, including proposals for a dedicated menstrual health subsection in the SADC Gender Protocol and increased health financing commitments.
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