Africa Encouraged to Follow Amai Mnangagwa’s Example in Removing Barriers to Girls’ Education

At the 5th International Quality Education Conference (IQEC 2025) in Dar es Salaam, African education stakeholders were urged to take inspiration from the work of Zimbabw3e’s First Lady, Amai Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, whose philanthropic initiatives are helping eliminate obstacles to girls’ education.

Her well-known programme of distributing reusable sanitary pads to schoolgirls was spotlighted as a practical solution to menstrual hygiene challenges, which often cause many learners to miss lessons.

Speaking under the conference theme “Strengthening Systems and Investments: Advancing Domestic Resource Mobilization for Inclusive, Quality and Sustainable Education in Africa,” Zimbabwe Foundation for Education with Production (ZIMFEP) National Director, Mr. Gideon Chiukira, applauded Dr. Mnangagwa’s contribution. He said the First Lady’s passion for education is evident in her commitment to ensuring no girl is forced out of class because of her menstrual cycle.

Mr. Chiukira, who is among the delegates at the three-day forum, added that ZIMFEP schools in Zimbabwe have introduced Student Affairs Officers dedicated to addressing the welfare, health, and personal issues affecting learners. According to him, these officers serve as a bridge between students, teachers, and administrators, creating a supportive school environment. He stressed that such initiatives complement the First Lady’s programme by tackling non-academic barriers to learning.

Delegates from across the region praised Zimbabwe’s approach. Ms. Thandiwe Mvula of Malawi described the initiative as “bold and humane,” adding that the sanitary pads programme does more than provide assistance  it restores dignity and gives girls the confidence to remain in class.

International delegates, including Norway’s Cecelie Grevstad and Professor Vibeke Vaganes, also expressed admiration. They highlighted Dr. Mnangagwa’s work as both inspiring and practical, noting that it directly addresses one of the most pressing challenges to gender equality in education. They encouraged other African nations to replicate such strategies to advance inclusive learning.

The IQEC, convened by TEN/MET, is one of Africa’s leading education forums, taking place from 24 to 26 September at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre. The platform brings together ministers, development partners, civil society leaders, youth, and education practitioners to deliberate on strengthening domestic funding, enhancing equity and gender inclusion, and fostering innovation in education.

As debates continue on how Africa can sustainably finance quality education, Zimbabwe’s integrated model   linking education, health, and gender equality  is being showcased as a best practice for the continent.