We are thrilled to share with you the heart-warming success of our recent reusable sanitary-pad pack distribution event at Chamabondo Primary School. CITW Zambezi is so grateful to have received a donation of 119 sanitary pads for distribution at the school. This initiative aimed to empower Grade 7 female students by providing them with essential menstrual health products and information.
Menstrual health is a topic that is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in the lives of young girls. In most parts of Zimbabwe, access to proper menstrual hygiene management resources is limited, leading to numerous challenges for girls during their periods. These challenges include missing school, experiencing embarrassment, and even resorting to unhygienic alternatives. The donated sanitary pads are of very high quality, and are going to make a significant difference to the lives of so many young ladies.
Recognising the need for change, CITW partnered with Chamabondo Primary School to distribute reusable sanitary-pad packs to the Grade 7 female students. The packs were made by a local group of ladies who work under the umbrella organisation Days for Girls, and contained multiple reusable absorbent liners, waterproof shields, soap, a washcloth and an information sheet. Along with the reusable sanitary packs, CITW was also able to provide two pairs of underwear to each girl, thanks to Craig Wilson and friends’ very generous donation earlier on in the year.
The event was a tremendous success, as we witnessed the joy and gratitude on the faces of the girls who received these packs. Not only did they gain access to a sustainable and cost-effective solution for managing their periods, but they also received valuable information about menstrual health.
During the distribution, a representative from Days for Girls and CITW demonstrated to the girls how the reusable sanitary items work, and also provided a highly informative talk on menstruation which addressed and debunked many stigmas surrounding it.
By providing reusable sanitary pad packs, CITW’s main aim from this distribution is for these young ladies to have resources and knowledge, to ensure that they do not have to miss any more school going forward – because after all, a period should end a sentence and not a young girl’s education.
We believe that every girl deserves the opportunity to reach her full potential, unhindered by the challenges posed by menstruation. Through initiatives like the reusable sanitary pad pack distribution, we are taking steps towards achieving this goal.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Craig Wilson and his friends, the Stanwood/Camano Island Chapter of Days for Girls (Stanwood, Washington State), who made this event possible and for their ongoing support. This generosity has made a significant impact on the lives of these young girls, giving them the tools they need to navigate their menstrual health journey with confidence and dignity.
Together, we can continue to make a difference and create a brighter future for girls in our schools!
By Cynthia Ndiweni, CITW Zambezi Assistant Impact Manager
