The Youth End Period Poverty Movement (YEPPM) is set to make a significant submission before the 3rd Southern Africa Youth Parliament's Health and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Standing Committee. The session will take place on Tuesday, 11 March 2025, at 10:00 hours CAT. This marks a pivotal moment for the movement as it advocates for menstrual equity and addresses the systemic barriers that perpetuate period poverty across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
The submission aligns with the broader theme of the 3rd Southern Africa Youth Parliament: "Empowering Youth for Sustainable Development and Inclusive Governance in the SADC Region." This theme underscores the critical role of young people in driving sustainable development and fostering inclusive governance. The submissions during this session will directly inform the deliberations of the 1st Physical Sitting of the 3rd Southern Africa Youth Parliament, scheduled to convene in South Africa at the end of March 2025.
The Youth End Period Poverty Movement's participation is a testament to the growing recognition of menstrual health as a fundamental component of sexual and reproductive health and rights. By addressing period poverty, the movement aims to dismantle the stigma surrounding menstruation, ensure access to affordable menstrual products, and advocate for comprehensive menstrual health education. These efforts are crucial for achieving gender equality and empowering young women and girls to fully participate in education, work, and public life.
The Southern Africa Youth Parliament serves as a youth-led advocacy platform, representing the interests and aspirations of young people across the region. Officially convened under the Southern Africa Youth Forum and mentored by the SADC Parliamentary Forum, this platform provides a unique opportunity for young leaders and stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue, influence policies, and contribute to decision-making processes that shape the future of the SADC region.
The Youth End Period Poverty Movement's submission is expected to highlight the intersection of menstrual health with broader issues such as education, economic empowerment, and gender equality. By addressing these interconnected challenges, the movement seeks to foster a more inclusive and equitable society where no one is held back by their period.
This engagement represents a crucial step forward in the fight against period poverty and underscores the importance of youth-led initiatives in driving transformative change. As the SADC region continues to prioritize sustainable development and inclusive governance, the voices of young people, particularly those advocating for menstrual equity, will play a vital role in shaping a brighter future for all.
