A SOUTH AFRICA-BASED Zimbabwean has stepped up efforts to combat women’s period poverty in marginalised communities, after observing how menstruation continues to hinder girls’ access to education, health and other opportunities.
Zimbabwe has more than three million women and girls who menstruate, yet the majority lack proper menstrual protection.
According to a study by SNV Zimbabwe, 72% of menstruating schoolgirls do not use sanitary pads simply because they cannot afford them.
The same study revealed that 62% of schoolgirls miss classes every month due to lack of sanitary pads and 70% do not know the sanitary pad brands available on the market.
Earlier this year, politician Linda Masarira disclosed that ZWL$200 million in 2020, ZWL$500 million in 2021 and ZWL$1,5 billion in 2022 were allocated to end period poverty in public schools.
However, Masarira said none of the funds benefited by the intended individuals.
In response, Zim-Imbokodo marketing director Corrence Ncube took action to keep girls in school by donating a year’s supply of sanitary pads to learners at Bhubhude Secondary School in Tsholotsho, Matabeleland North province.
“Most girls miss school during their periods because they don’t feel confident without proper sanitary protection,” Ncube said.
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“They become a laughing stock of boys, which is why we chose to donate sanitary pads rather than anything else.”
The organisation donated the pads to 61 girls, providing each with 12 packets, enough to last the entire year.
“We spoke to many elders about the initiative, including the ward councillor, who even asked if we could extend the donation to Grade 7 girls next time, as many girls now begin menstruating at an early age.
“We also left some pads with the senior woman at the primary school to distribute when needed,” she said.
Zim-Imbokodo was registered in South Africa in 2013 with a mission of give back to communities by helping girls to experience a dignified period.
“Since our formation, we have donated to schools across various districts,” Ncube said.
“We have visited Plumtree and Nkayi twice and this was our second time in Tsholotsho.
“We have also reached Silobela, Kezi, Gwanda, Esigodini, Lupane and Mlondolozi Female Prison.”
