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{
    "id": 902313,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/902313/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 138,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Halake",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13184,
        "legal_name": "Abshiro Soka Halake",
        "slug": "abshiro-soka-halake"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. Pursuant to Standing Order No. 47(1), I rise to make a Statement on operationalization of the menstrual hygiene management policy. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, in early 2017, the Ministry of Health developed the National Menstrual Hygiene Management Policy and Strategy with support from Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs), the private sectors, including various area experts. The policy was an initiative by the national Government to break the silence on menstruation and provide more adequate services to girls and women in our country. However, the policy has not been made operational. Therefore, it raises the question as to why this has not yet been done. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I have a Bill that is being prepared where I am trying to ensure that we zero-rate the local production of sanitary towels. It is unfair for this country to tax women because they are menstruating because this is a biological function that they have no control over. Therefore, we would like to make sure that all aspects that regard management of the menstrual hygiene are operationalized. Given that Article 21 (1) and (2) of the Constitution impose an obligation on the State and every State organ to observe, respect, protect, promote and fulfill the rights and fundamental freedoms set out in the Bill of Rights. Further the State is required to take legislative, policies and other measures, including setting of standards aimed at ensuring the rights guaranteed under Article 43 of the Constitution are progressively realised. The economic and social rights as contained in the Constitution, reflect the rights as set out in the International Covenant for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The Policy examines the prevailing social, economic, cultural and demographic contexts on menstrual health for women and girls, including implications for consequences to their health."
}