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Theseus Shambare
UNEMPLOYED young women in Epworth, including sex workers, are now earning a living through a reusable sanitary pads sewing project recently launched by a local organisation.
The Springs of Life Zimbabwe (SOLZ), an organisation that represents the interests of women and the girl child, launched the project in Epworth and other low-income suburbs to provide beneficiaries with a sustainable source of income.
SOLZ director, Ms Precious Msindo, said the project’s main objective was to promote young women’s economic independence.
“Our goal is to empower these young women by equipping them with valuable skills and giving them access to a stable income,” she said. “These women are incredibly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
“By providing them with an alternative source of income through the sewing project, we are giving them the power to support themselves and their families.”
Apart from economic empowerment, the project aims to improve menstrual hygiene in the community.
“Access to safe and affordable menstrual products is a major issue,” Msindo said. “The reusable pads produced under the sewing project will help to address this gap, thereby reducing the risk of reproductive health problems for women and girls.”
The project is having a positive impact on the Epworth community.
“We have seen the women participating in the project gaining confidence and self-worth. It is not just about the income, it is about empowering them and giving them a path to a better future.
“And by challenging the stigma around menstruation and sex work, we are working towards attaining a just and equitable society.”
Looking ahead, Msindo is optimistic about the project’s potential to inspire more community development initiatives.
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