Chronicle Editor
Yvonne Ncube , Chronicle Reporter
BULAWAYO youths have partnered in a “Donate a pad! Let their confidence stand” campaign to mobilise pads to less privileged girls and women.
Upon realisation that sanitary pads have gone beyond the reach of many, Miss Vongai Mujakachi (22) and Mr Albert Matewe took it upon themselves to initiate the campaign.
When nature calls there is no alternative or means to dodge the situation for women who rely on pads to maintain their dignity.
However, pads are now beyond the reach of many as they now cost more than $100 a packet.
Many women and girls have resorted to using cloths, pieces of rags and in rural areas they use cow dung. These alternatives are not prescribed as they are not good for their health.
“We realised that when it comes to women there is a choice we do not make and that is menstruation. It is nature.
However, pads are needed to make the cycle comfortable, of which they are not for free and not everyone can afford them. Women lose their confidence and become very disturbed when they are not comfortable with their sanitary wear. Health wise other alternatives such as cow dung and rags are not recommended.”
“As a result of this, we decided to raise funds so that we can distribute them to girls who have no means of getting pads in our community. However, we realised that the pads we had will still leave many girls not cushioned, so we decided to invite well-wishers to join in the campaign by donating pads. It does not matter how many, little is much when it comes from the heart,” said Miss Mujakachi.
She urged both men and women to take part in the campaign.
“The vision is to help women by donating these pads and we can do so by joining hands, our aim is to make it an ongoing project after seeing the response of people. As men and women, we can both play a part in helping out. It is our duty as society to look after one another. Remember blessed is the hand that gives than the one which receives,” she said.
“After donations have been made the pads are to be distributed to different organisations such as Emthonjeni Women’s Forum, Youth For Innovation Trust to mention but a few. We appeal to people to open up their hearts and support the pad campaign by donating a pad or more, whatever number they can.”
Miss Mujakachi said they will hand over the donations to the organisations on Sunday.
“The initial distribution of the pads to the organisations has been arranged for Sunday, 29 August. We hope people will join in the campaign like others who have made a difference thus far,” she said.
Well-wishers can reach out to them on 0779966606/+49 170 245 2678 — @SeehYvonne
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