Online Reporter
Latwell Nyangu
Women and girls face difficulties in accessing information on sexual and reproductive health rights due to a lack of adequate resources while sanitary wear should be distributed for free in schools, a girl’s movement activist has said.
Speaking during a belated Women’s Day commemorations held in Chitungwiza, Ekenia Chifamba from Shamwari YeMwanasikana said, there is a need to support girls when it comes to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
The theme of the day was, ‘Acceleration Action’ where over 500 women were given sanitary wear courtesy of Shamwayi YeMwanasikana and Agape Family Care.
“We decided to visit over 500 women and girls in Chitungwiza where we combined the efforts with Agape Family Care to bring cheers to the vulnerable individuals there.
“It was part of the commemoration of International Women’s Day and we are in the women’s month.
“We are looking at the importance of women and girls’ rights,” she said.
She said, women and girls need support.
“Women and girls need support in promoting their SRHR particularly menstrual hygiene rights in the way climate and the prevailing challenges are affecting them.
“We thought we would prioritise their needs since women and girls go through hard times during that time of the month.
“We see our young girls suffer from where some even miss school for the five days of the month and even mental health.”
Chifamba urged stakeholders to support vulnerable girls and women.
“In Chitungwiza there is a challenge of water and we care calling for everyone to carry the burden with the girls.
“The sanitary wear should be provided in schools freely to every girl and this is a call to action that women’s reproductive health is guaranteed.
“Women’s sexual reproductive health is important and the girls’ dignity and rights should be upheld,” she said.
