Online Reporter
Post Reporter
MEMBER of House of Assembly for Mutare South, Honourable Tawanda Dumbarimwe on Wednesday donated 10 000 sanitary pads to schoolgirls in the rural constituency, enabling them to maintain dignity and hygiene during monthly periods.
Disadvantaged rural schoolgirls continue to face challenges in accessing menstrual hygiene products such as sanitary pads, cotton wool, menstrual cups and period panties. They need at least US$1 and US$2 for a month’s supply of sanitary pads or cotton wool, which most rural parents and guardians cannot afford. Access to these products will help prevent absenteeism, allowing the girls to attend school without interruption, thereby reducing the risk of falling behind academically.
Moreover, the sanitary pads promote health and well-being, reducing the risk of reproductive tract infections and other menstrual health issues, ultimately empowering girls to reach their full potential.
As part of his outreach efforts, Honourable Dumbarimwe visited all the 46 schools in the constituency – encompassing primary and secondary schools – to distribute the sanitary pads.
Speaking on the sidelines of the donation at Chitakatira High School, Honourable Dumbarimwe expressed concern about the impact of menstrual periods on girls’ education.
He said disadvantaged schoolgirls are often ridiculed at school when they opt for less effective alternatives of sanitary wear, thereby forcing them to stay at home during their periods.
“I have noted with concern that some girls were skipping lessons when they are on menstruation periods.,” he said, highlighting the need for accessible sanitary products to curb absenteeism.
Honourable Dumbarimwe said the initiative seeks to alleviate this challenge and ensure that girls in his constituency can attend school without interruption, promoting their educational and personal development.
“It is very true, as you can see, I have come up with pads in my constituency – over 10 000 sanitary pads that I am giving to each and every school, both primary and secondary. We also have private and night schools benefiting from the initiative,” he added.
During his tour of the schools, Honourable Dumbarimwe encountered first-hand the dire water challenges plaguing most institutions, underscoring the need for urgent intervention.
He advocated for the installation of solar-powered boreholes to promote hygiene, sanitation, and agricultural projects, ultimately enhancing the learning environment and pupils’ livelihoods.
“Almost all schools in my constituency need a solar-powered borehole to ease water challenges. The boreholes will enable pupils to learn farming projects, which will benefit them in the future,” he said.
Honourable Dumbarimwe emphasized the necessity of Constituency Development Funds (CDF) to equip schools with computers and internet access, citing the world’s rapid digitalization.
This, he said, would bridge the gap between urban and rural schools, ensuring equal access to technology and promoting digital literacy among rural students.
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