First National Bank (FNB) has donated 68 female sanitary bins to the University of Zambia. Speaking during the handover ceremony, Munali Member of Parliament, who is also the Minister of Green Economy, Honourable Mike Mposha, commended FNB for the kind gesture rendered to the plight of the female students. The minister said such initiatives not only uplift the dignity of the girls but also promote strong partnerships for development. Mr. Mposha said the donation of the sanitary bins was more than a ceremony because it embodies a collective commitment to creating an enabling environment where every student can thrive without compromising their basic rights to health and dignity.
Mr. Mposha said earlier this year his office received a formal request from the university administration highlighting the acute shortage of sanitary bins across female student hostels. He said, supported by compelling testimony from student representatives, it was realised this was not merely an infrastructure gap but a multifaceted challenge affecting public health standards, environmental sanitation, and, most critically, the fundamental dignity of nearly 2,000 young women pursuing their education. He said this situation demanded urgent attention, as it transcended basic health concerns to become a matter of gender equity and student welfare.
“In response to this problem, we engaged the private sector partners to develop sustainable solutions, and I am truly delighted that FNB Zambia, through its H.e.r banking initiative, stepped forward with remarkable generosity. Today's donation of 68 sanitary bins embodies a commitment to period dignity, gender equality, and the creation of an enabling environment where young women can focus on their studies without compromising their basic rights. This partnership demonstrates how targeted interventions can address systemic challenges while fostering lasting change,” he said.
The minister said FNB has demonstrated, through word and deed, that corporate responsibility is not just about business; it is about listening to communities and responding in ways that bring lasting change.
“To FNB, we thank you not only for this timely donation but also for continuing to empower our youth through initiatives like the Life Start student account and your broader support for digital financial inclusion,” he said.
The minister said the handover of the sanitary bins carries significance that extends beyond the facilities. He said it is a health intervention that reduces infection risks, an environmental solution contributing to campus cleanliness, and, most importantly, a strong statement about gender equality in education. “By removing this barrier, we affirm that no young woman should face obstacles in pursuing her academic dreams due to biological realities. This aligns perfectly with our national development agenda and the sustainable development goals.
“To our student beneficiaries, particularly the young women who courageously advocated for this change, these facilities are entrusted to your care. Their proper use and maintenance will ensure they serve generations to come. The university management has assured us of dedicated cleaning schedules and maintenance protocols, and we expect all stakeholders to play their part in preserving this investment,” he said.
Speaking at the same function, the University of Zambia Vice Chancellor Prof. Mundia Muya thanked FNB Zambia for choosing to partner with the University of Zambia in promoting gender equality. Prof. Muya said the handover of sanitary bins by FNB Zambia represented a clear demonstration of the positive change that happens when the corporate sector and educational institutions come together to support the well-being of students.
Prof. Muya said menstrual hygiene management is a matter of health, dignity, and equality; yet, it remains a challenge for many young women in learning environments. He said lack of access to proper hygiene facilities often leads to missed classes and, in some cases, withdrawal from important academic and social activities.
“With this generous contribution, FNB Zambia is not just providing sanitary bins; it is removing barriers and opening doors, ensuring that our female students can focus on their education without unnecessary worry or discomfort.
“We also recognize that this initiative forms part of FNB Zambia’s broader commitment to community development and social impact. Partnerships like these reflect the best of what is possible when we work together to create a healthier, more inclusive society,” he said.
Prof. Muya said the donation by FNB should signify the first step to a long journey of walking together. He said UNZA and FNB can further the relationship by developing a training partnership that will enable the bank to provide internship and employment opportunities to some of the best students.
“We also have an opportunity for the bank to offer scholarships and prizes to some of our best students in a discipline of your choice. I also see opportunities for us to collaborate on best practices in governance and management. We can collaborate on best practices in marketing, branding, and customer relationship management. I see collaboration opportunities in the development of a customer service culture among employees. As we develop the innovation hub at UNZA, we stand in a strong position to offer innovative solutions to some of the challenges you may have. We also have a world-class standard UNZA printer that could be at your service to print for you some of the collateral you use in the bank, including your annual reports,” he said.
Prof. Muya further said the calendar of the university features a number of key events, such as the Job Expo anchored by the Confucius Institute, Culture and Tourism Day, Open Day, the Graduation Ceremony, Sports Day, and Alumni Reunion Day, which are possible partnership areas. “These events require corporate partners who are willing to cover some of the costs in exchange for significant brand visibility. So, I make a call to you as a bank to sit with us beyond this event. My office is open for further engagement on how we can scale up the current level of collaboration,” he said.
Prof. Muya also revealed that the university has infrastructure development goals that the institution would like to attain. He said the most pressing goal at this stage is the need to undertake a total overhaul of the sanitation infrastructure. “The amount required is K19 million. I believe that this is not insurmountable. By working together, we can explore how this funding support can be mobilized perhaps in a phased manner,” he said.
Prof. Muya acknowledged the need to support the girl child by providing a conducive learning environment. “To our female students here present, I want you to know that you are valued, you are supported, and you are seen. May this gesture remind you that nothing should stand in the way of your dreams and aspirations.
“And to FNB Zambia, thank you for standing with us in building a learning environment that upholds dignity and promotes opportunity for all. We look forward to growing this partnership and working together to make an even greater impact,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer Ms. Kapumpe Chola, who was represented by the Head of Retail Banking, Ms. Mwamba Musambo, said FNB was delighted to partner with UNZA in promoting menstrual health among female students. She said that lack of access to proper hygiene in learning institutions led to absenteeism from class among girls and some cases, withdrawal from academic and social activities.
“Through our corporate social responsibility, we are excited as a bank to respond to this call, and we believe that there are many more opportunities and areas of cooperation we can work together in promoting female wellness,“she said.
Ms. Chola further appealed to the students to jealously guard the sanitary bins and ensure that they are used for the intended purpose.