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Writes Chimeno Azriel
Kadoma Central Member of Parliament, Gift Mambipiri, through the Pad Up Kadoma campaign, recently distributed sanitary pads worth us$8000 to 20 Primary and Secondary schools in Kadoma aimed at addressing the issue of period poverty and promoting the girl child’s education.
The distribution ceremony was held at Waverley Secondary School in Kadoma where the District Schools Inspectors received the pads on behalf of the schools. The distribution of sanitary pads will not only empower the girl child but will foster her to pursue her academic goal with confidence.
The Member of Parliament led a significant initiative to support girls’ education by ending period poverty where most of the girls miss school due to lack of access to sanitary wares and most of the girls end up using unhygienic alternatives, increasing the risk of infections.
Period poverty is a pressing issue affecting many young girls in Zimbabwe. The lack of access to sanitary pads leads to girls missing school, ultimately affecting their academic performance and future opportunities.
The campaign dubbed ‘Pad Up Kadoma’, was a community-based effort with the MP working closely with local leaders and schools and it drew attention and opened the wallets of pensioners, business people, vendors, church groups, residents associations, and friends from outside Kadoma who came together in support of the initiative to provide sanitary pads to around 8000 school girls in Kadoma.
In an interview, Kadoma Central Member of Parliament Gift Mambipiri said the pads were part of a broader strategy they have in place to cushion the girl child from the challenges they face when it comes to access to education.
“The pads are part of a broader strategy we have in place to cushion the girl child from the challenges they face when it comes to access to education,” said the legislator.
“The program will continue to run because most of the partners we worked with believed it was a game changer and must be continued to support the girl child.”
Pad Up Kadoma campaign manager, Jacob Jacha, speaking after the distribution, said education was the key to unlocking the potential of the girl child.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that our girls have access to the resources they need to succeed and we are proud to be part of this initiative which will make a real difference in the lives of our young girls.
“Education is key to unlocking the potential of our girls, and by providing sanitary pads, we are helping to remove one of the barriers that can hold them back,” Jacha said.
Through the tireless efforts of dedicated male and female volunteers who walked around Kadoma sourcing pads, the Pad Up Kadoma initiative has become a beacon of hope for girls in the community, providing them with the dignity and confidence they deserve. With the volunteers at the forefront, their selflessness and their willingness to give their time played a key role in the initiative’s success.
By providing sanitary pads to schools, Hon Mambipiri’s initiative will help pave the way for a brighter future for girls in Kadoma. With access to essential resources and support, these young girls can thrive academically and personally, becoming leaders and change-makers in their communities.
Gift Mambipiri’s commitment to Kadoma’s development is evident in initiatives like Pad Up Kadoma and educational scholarships for high-achieving learners. Beyond providing sanitary pads, thebKadoma legislator is committed to nurturing young talent by offering scholarships to exceptional grade 7 students, enabling them to pursue their academic aspirations.
