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Faith Ndlovu
Reigning Miss Fabulous Zimbabwe, Evidence Gabi, has donated sanitary pads to different schools, with girls from Mncumbatha High School in Bulawayo being the latest to benefit from the programme, which is aimed at ending period poverty.
The initiative, which runs under the project theme, “The Voice of a Girl Child” is meant to empower young women and girls by giving them sanitary wear for free. As she made the donations on 15 June, with 500 students benefiting at Mncumbatha, Gabi said she wanted to inspire young women and girls to be confident and fearless, even when they are having their monthly periods.
“I have always been passionate about empowering women and girls and l realised that menstruation health and hygiene is a critical aspect amongst women. Many girls miss school, some are forced to use unhygienic methods to cover themselves up during periods.
“This then led me to come up with this initiative to lend a hand to those vulnerable because I understand what it’s like not to have hygienic pads during menstruation. I hope that young people who are able to assist can be inspired and donate to those in need,” said Gabi.
She said the initiative does not belong to her alone as she was assisted by others who understood the vision of her drive, in sourcing and buying the sanitary pads. Tatenda Tshuma, a student at Mncumbatha High School, was grateful to have received the menstrual parcels from Gabi.
“I can’t really say at home we couldn’t afford sanitary pads but there are days where I needed them the most and I would get them later due to lack of funds.
“I really appreciate the kind gesture and now, I don’t have to worry about coming to school during my periods anymore as I am now covered,” said Tshuma.
derick.khumalo