Film on period stigma to premiere in Malawi on 27 November

Join for Joy Malawi, working with German Development Cooperation (GIZ), is set to premiere the film Impure on November 27, 2026, as part of this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign against gender-based violence.

The German-Kenyan co-production is inspired by a real-life tragedy in Kenya. It follows 12-year-old June as she gets her first period at school, and examines how misinformation, stigma and shame around menstruation can leave girls excluded from classrooms and social life.

Join for Joy Malawi country director James Wilson Phiri said the premiere is meant to go beyond awareness and spark real conversation among young people and key players.

Educators, parents, community leaders, government officials, development partners and the private sector are expected to take part.

The discussions will look at how menstrual health ties into gender equality, girls’ rights, dignity and education, and what families, schools, communities, men and boys can do to make life better for girls.

“We expect the discussion to explore the relationship between menstrual health, gender equality, girls’ rights, dignity, education and social norms, while considering the role that families, schools, communities, institutions, men and boys can play in creating more supportive environments for girls,” Phiri said.