The hidden cost of inaction on menstrual poverty

Women and gilrs receive saniatry pads in Bindura during a WAG Road Show

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…

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Making the schools’ sanitary wear budget work for girls

In 2020 there was a landmark development in the menstrual health management space, following the signing of the Education Amendment Act into law by President Mnangagwa. We celebrated Section 4(1a) of the Act which requires the State to “ensure the provision of sanitary wear and other menstrual health facilities to girls in all schools to promote menstrual health.” This legislation makes it a legal obligation for government to provide free sanitary wear to all school girls. By Theresa Nyava-Machadu The background of this legislation is that many school girls were…

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