International Women’s Day in Goromonzi

As part of the International Women’s Day 2023 Celebrations, Unlimited Hope Alliance Trust acknowledged the existence of period poverty and its effects on the lives of young girls and women

There are apprehensions that, period poverty is affecting girls’ attendance and performance in school, globally. However, this persistent absence and school dropout is a massive loss of human potential. Social stigma or period taboo, rooted in gender inequality and discriminatory patriarchal norms about women’s place in society is causing women to feel persistent shame during periods. As a result, of menstrual supply scarcity young women and girls resort to unsanitary self-fashioned materials like dirty rugs which has a toll on their health.

Consequently, Unlimited Hope Alliance Trust commemorated the International Women’s Day 2023 in Goromonzi District embracing menstrual health, advocating for an end to period poverty. This was done through the distribution of sanitary kits in order to keep girls in school, as we all know that when we educate girls we enrich both individuals and communities, in every sense of the world. The sanitary kits consisted of three packets of disposable sanitary pads, a towel, an underwear, bath soap and washing bar soap. These were distributed to 60 primary school learners, 60 secondary school learners and 20 young mothers and women with disabilities. UHAT also disseminated comprehensive information on menstrual health management and abstinence from premature sexual activities. Hygienic use and disposal of sanitary kits was discussed, period pride was also emphasized as a symbol of womanhood.

UHAT celebrated women for making the world a better place. Notably, there is so much to celebrate about women yet there is still more to do. It is therefore, imperative for everyone to embrace and protect young women and girls.