Chronicle Editor
Johnsias Mutonhori, [email protected]
THE Ministry of Health and Child Care is set to roll out reusable sanitary wear programmes nationwide, focusing on schoolgirls, particularly those in communal areas.
The initiative aims to address the issue of female learners missing lessons because of period poverty by providing reusable sanitary wear to girls, ensuring they have a reliable and sustainable solution to manage their menstrual hygiene.
By targeting communal areas, the initiative seeks to support female learners who are most affected by this issue, thereby promoting gender equality in education.
The ministry’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to improve menstrual health management and reduce absenteeism among schoolgirls. By providing these essential products, Government seeks to empower young women, enabling them to attend school regularly and participate fully in their education.
Yesterday, Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Sleiman Kwidini donated pads to schools in Chiundura during an event at Gunde Adventist High School.
Dep Minister Kwidini said apart from disposable pads that have been donated to more than 1 000 pupils, there is a need for a sustainable solution to alleviate challenges associated with affordability and accessibility of sanitary pads.
He said plans are underway to introduce reusable sanitary pads in schools and communities which will enhance continuous beneficiation.
“We saw a problem with our girl child such that when they reached period days they failed to report to school and that made them lag in their education. So today is the launch of the sanitary pads programme which we are going to roll out across the country,” said Dep Minister Kwidini.
“Our target as a Government in partnership with other stakeholders is to introduce reusable pads which can be washed and ironed for sustainability.”
Dep Minister Kwidini said the making of reusable pads will also be introduced to put weight to fashion and fabrics studies.
“This is also going to be introduced in fashion and fabrics studies at school so that they can make it on their own. For those outside school, we are going to introduce the same programmes to youth at ward centres,” he said.
“This will also help in terms of affordability, accessibility and sustainability. As Government we are going to source garments for all the schools, to bolster that programme.”
Mrs Karen Dzuke, manager for Midlands Provincial National Family Planning Council said they were going to support the Government programme.
“We are pushing for the reusable pads which last longer. We are going to bring other partners so that it is going to be an impactful and sustainable venture. “Our thrust is to assist young girls, and keep them at school,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, a learner from Gunde High School, Mitchel Kufa, applauded Deputy Minister Kwidini for the gesture, saying the pads are a critical issue that can derail a girl child from being competitive at school.
“As school children, we are happy with the donation that has been made. Most of us who come from poor backgrounds fail to buy pads and at times we fail to report to school during our period days,” she said.
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