Namibia’s Under-17 girls’ football team has received a timely donation of reusable sanitary pads from Global United FC, an international, non-profit association that uses soccer as a platform to plan and implement important projects in the areas of climate and environmental protection, social issues and sports development.
The donation comes as the team prepares for a crucial home-and-away fixture against Uganda in Kampala on 16 and 19 January 2025. The team departed for Uganda on Monday afternoon.
Former national team star Diina Shituula presented the donation to the team, just before their departure for Uganda. Shituula expressed her hope that the pads would prove useful to the players, particularly during the qualifying matches. This highlights the importance of addressing menstrual hygiene needs for female athletes, ensuring they can perform at their best without discomfort or distraction. Access to sanitary products like pads allows players to focus on the game without worrying about managing their periods, contributing to their comfort, confidence, and overall performance. Sanitary pads are crucial for female athletes as they:
Sanitary pads play a vital role in supporting female athletes by ensuring hygiene and comfort, which is paramount for preventing infections and discomfort, allowing them to fully concentrate on their performance. This, in turn, boosts confidence, as knowing they have access to necessary sanitary products reduces anxiety related to managing their periods during competition.
Critically, providing sanitary products removes a significant barrier to participation in sports for many girls and women, ensuring they are not excluded due to a natural bodily function. Ultimately, by ensuring comfort and reducing distractions, access to sanitary pads can positively impact athletic performance, allowing athletes to compete at their highest potential without unnecessary impediments.
Isack Hamata of the Namibia Football Association (NFA) expressed sincere gratitude to Global United for their generous sponsorship of the reusable sanitary pads, which have a lifespan of three years. This long-term solution offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to menstrual hygiene management for the team. This initiative not only supports the players’ immediate needs but also promotes environmental consciousness through the use of reusable products.