By Theresa Nyava-Machadu
In today’s modern world, it is disheartening to think that many girls and women still face significant barriers when it comes to managing their periods. Menstrual poverty, the lack of access to adequate menstrual hygiene products and facilities, continues to plague communities across Zimbabwe. This silent crisis not only affects the physical and mental well-being of women but also hampers their educational and economic opportunities. It is high time we shed light on this issue and understand the real cost of not taking action.
Menstrual poverty has a profound impact on girls’ education. Inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products often leads to school absenteeism, as girls are forced to skip classes during their menstruation. This absence from school disrupts their learning, resulting in lower academic performance and reduced opportunities for future success.
According to UNESCO, in sub-Saharan Africa, one in ten girls miss school during their menstrual cycle, amounting to an average of 20% of the school year. In Zimbabwe, a study conducted by Plan International revealed that 25% of girls reported missing school due to menstruation.
To address this issue, it is essential to establish well-equipped and private sanitation facilities in schools, including separate toilets with running water, disposal bins and handwashing facilities. Additionally, providing free or subsidized menstrual hygiene products will empower girls to stay in school, participate fully and reach their educational potential. According to Section 3(1a) of the Education Act, it is the State’s obligation to ensure the provision of sanitary wear and other menstrual health facilities to girls in all schools, with the aim of promoting menstrual health. This legal requirement underscores the significance of menstrual health as an integral part of girls’ education and overall well-being.
The economic cost of menstrual poverty cannot be ignored. When girls miss school due to their periods, they fall behind their male counterparts, perpetuating the gender gap in education. This, in turn, limits their career prospects and earning potential later in life.
A study by the World Bank estimated that the lifetime earnings of a woman with no schooling are about 60% of those with secondary education. By neglecting to address menstrual poverty, we are inadvertently hindering the progress of our nation. Investing in menstrual hygiene education and providing affordable and accessible products will create a level playing field for girls and women, enabling them to contribute fully to the workforce and drive economic development.
Insufficient access to menstrual hygiene products also poses a significant risk to women’s health. Using unhygienic materials or inadequate facilities increases the likelihood of infections and reproductive health issues. Lack of education about proper menstrual hygiene practices further exacerbates these problems.
Research conducted by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that poor menstrual hygiene management is associated with an increased risk of urinary tract infections and reproductive tract infections. Furthermore, the stigma surrounding menstruation can lead to psychological distress and affect women’s overall well-being.
Menstrual hygiene management education should be integrated into school curricula and community health programmes. This education should cover topics such as menstrual health, menstrual hygiene product options, proper usage and disposal and the recognition of menstrual-related health complications. By promoting awareness and knowledge, we can empower girls and women to make informed decisions about their menstrual health, reducing the risk of infections and related health complications.
To combat menstrual poverty, it is imperative that we take concrete action. This includes providing affordable and accessible menstrual hygiene products, improving sanitation facilities in schools and public spaces and implementing comprehensive menstrual health education programmes.
One example of addressing menstrual poverty is found in neighbouring South Africa. The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities partnered with the private sector to distribute free sanitary pads to schools in low-income areas. This initiative significantly reduced absenteeism and improved educational outcomes for girls. Back home, government has been allocating funds through the national budget since 2020 for the provision of sanitary wear to school girls, although there are still many concerns around adequacy of such allocations as well as efficiency and effectiveness in utilisation of the funds.
The civil society also play a crucial role in advocating for change and providing support to vulnerable communities. Players in this sector work tirelessly to distribute menstrual hygiene products, raise awareness and engage with policymakers to prioritize menstrual health on the national agenda. Governments, civil society organizations and individuals must collaborate to prioritize menstrual hygiene as a fundamental aspect of women’s health and well-being.
Investing in menstrual hygiene is not just a matter of social justice; it is an investment in our collective future. By breaking the barriers caused by menstrual poverty, we empower girls and women to reach their full potential. Access to education and economic opportunities for all will contribute to a more equitable and prosperous society.
Government initiatives and policies should ensure the provision of free or affordable menstrual hygiene products in schools, healthcare facilities and public spaces. Additionally, partnerships with private entities can help establish sustainable and scalable solutions to address menstrual poverty, such as developing local production and distribution networks for sustainable menstrual products such as menstrual cups and menstrual discs.
Menstrual poverty is not an isolated issue; it is a symptom of broader social, economic and cultural inequalities. Failing to address this issue perpetuates the cycle of poverty and limits the progress of our nation.
It is our moral responsibility to ensure that every girl and woman has access to the resources and support needed to manage their periods with dignity. By taking action now, we can create a future where menstrual poverty is a thing of the past, and all individuals can thrive and contribute to a better Zimbabwe. Together, let us champion menstrual hygiene as a fundamental human right and build a society where every woman and girl can embrace their menstrual health as a source of empowerment rather than a barrier to success.
Theresa is the founder and executive director of Sanitary Aid Zimbabwe Trust and can be
contacted on +263773001312
