Online Reporter
Business Reporter
People’s Own Savings Bank (POSB) has donated sanitary wear to girls at Neruvanga Secondary School in Masvingo Province as part of its ongoing “Donate a Pad and Keep a Girl in School” initiative.
This initiative, launched in 2023, enables POSB staff to contribute sanitary pads or donate leave days, which are converted into cash for the purchase of menstrual hygiene products. The bank matches the staff donations to maximise impact, ensuring that more
disadvantaged girls in marginalised communities receive the support they need to remain in school during their menstrual periods.
Neruvanga Secondary School becomes the latest beneficiary of this programme following the successful rollout at Marimasimbe Secondary School. Each girl at Neruvanga received pads sufficient to last about a year, helping to reduce absenteeism and preserve
dignity during menstruation.
According to survey reports, up to 72 percent of schoolgirls in Zimbabwe do not have access to sanitary wear and resort to using unhygienic materials such as old rags, with some reportedly resorting to the use of cow dung.
POSB chief executive officer, Mr Garainashe Changunda, emphasised the bank’s commitment to social responsibility.
“As a people’s bank, POSB is devoted to making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. Our Donate a Pad initiative reflects our commitment to addressing the challenges of menstrual health that continue to hinder many girls’ education and
empowerment. Every girl deserves access to proper sanitary wear so she can pursue her education without disruption,” said Mr Changunda.
He said POSB is undergoing a transformation which puts education and schools at the heart of its operations. As such, the bank is committed to rolling out more initiatives that benefit schools, including the pads donation and the solar and StarLink loan facility
which the bank recently announced. He encouraged other stakeholders to join in the fight against menstrual health challenges.
“Lack of access to sanitary products is a serious challenge that must be addressed collectively. By standing together, we can protect the dignity, health, and future of the girl child.”
Neruvanga Secondary School headmaster, Mr Chibhadhi, expressed gratitude to POSB, noting that the donation would go a long way in boosting the morale and confidence of the girls.
“This generous gesture from POSB will greatly improve our girls’ school attendance. They can now focus on their studies without the worry of managing their menstrual hygiene. We deeply appreciate POSB’s commitment to uplifting the education and well-being
of our learners,” he said.
The donation ceremony was attended by representatives from POSB, school authorities, parents, and members of the Neruvanga community, all of whom commended the bank for its dedication to empowering the girl child.
