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Writes Chimeno Azriel
In a bid to support the educational and menstrual health needs of girl children in his constituency, Kadoma Central Member of Parliament has launched the ‘Pad Up Kadoma’ initiative to collect and distribute sanitary pads to 20 primary and secondary schools in the city, targeting girls who frequently miss lessons due to menstruation-related issues.
The Pad Up Kadoma initiative is a response to the challenges faced by many girl children in Zimbabwe, who struggle to access sanitary pads due to financial constraints.
Through this initiative, the Kadoma Central MP, Gift Mambipiri, hopes to make a positive impact on the lives of these girl children, empowering them to stay in school and pursue their dreams. The (PUK) initiative is expected to alleviate the financial burden on families and ensure that girls have access to the necessary resources to manage their menstrual health.
Programme Manager of Pad Up Kadoma, Jacob Jacha, said the intervention seeks to address the menstrual health challenges faced by girl children in the city.
“The Pad Up Kadoma initiative is not just about donating sanitary pads, but it is about empowering girl children to take control of their menstrual health and stay in school. We are proud to be part of this initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the lives of these young girls,” said Jacha
“As part of our efforts to support the educational and menstrual health needs of girl children in Kadoma, we are targeting to distribute sanitary pads to 20 primary and secondary schools. Unfortunately, many girls in these schools suffer from period poverty, which forces them to miss lessons due to a lack of access to sanitary pads. Our goal is to provide these girls with the necessary resources to manage their menstrual health, enabling them to stay in school and pursue their dreams without interruption.” continued Jacha.
“As we celebrate Women’s Month, I urge the people of Kadoma to join hands in supporting the Pad Up Kadoma initiative. This initiative is more than just providing sanitary pads to those in need – it’s about empowering girls and women to reach their full potential, free from the constraints of period poverty. By supporting Pad Up Kadoma, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of our sisters, daughters, and mothers. Let us come together to ensure that every girl and woman in Kadoma has access to the dignity and opportunity they deserve,” he added.
In an interview, some women who are part of the program in sourcing the pads said they understand the struggles faced by girls without access to sanitary pads, hence the importance of the intervention,
“I encourage every capable hand to take part in this initiative. No amount or quantity is too small. This is a great opportunity to celebrate women and support our sisters in staying in school. Every single contribution will make a significant difference in the lives of our girls,” said Shirleen Ropafadzo Dzumbunu.
“By supporting the girl child with proper sanitation, we’re not only keeping them in school but also protecting them from various health complications. Lend a hand, and let’s keep our girls in school,” said Chipo Mukaro.
“As we strive for a brighter future in Kadoma, I am excited to join hands with all of you to address a critical issue affecting my fellow girls’ health and education. Menstruation is a natural part of life but for most Kadoma girls, it results in missed school days, discomfort, and embarrassment, leading to lower performance in school, decreased self-esteem, and increased school dropout rates. This donation is going to empower girls to stay in school, promote health and hygiene, and boost confidence and self-esteem. We aim to ensure that every girl can at least have pads for a term so that they don’t miss classes due to menstruation,” said Charlene Vimbai Karima.
The Pad Up Kadoma initiative marks a significant stride towards empowering girls and women in Kadoma. It will undoubtedly create a lasting impact, inspiring a brighter future for the girls of Kadoma.
