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MUTARE-BASED filmmaker and National Arts Merit Awards 2018 winner, Amanda Ranganawa, in collaboration with United States artistes — Gshytt and Young — last week donated 1 000 reusable sanitary pads to vulnerable women in Harare. The US singers, Gshytt (Reese Nance) and Young (Gustavo Barbosa), who are in the country, handed over the donation to Zimwana Worldwide Organisation in Harare.
The donation and event was organised by Ranganawa, who is also a girl child activist.
Young said he was passionate about helping young people, women and the less privileged.
“I did not grow up with a silver spoon in my mouth,” he said. “I had to work my way up. I know what it means not to have what
you need in life. I hope that this donation that we have made to these girls will help them in their lives.”
Over 200 girls received three reusable pads each, while another 200 received two each.
“This special gift goes a long way in providing sustainable sanitary wear to the less privileged girls and young women, as they can now use a safer and healthier option during menstruation. With this donation we safely know that for the next year our girls are covered,’’ Zimwana director, Mr Lovemore Hama said.
Gshytt, who recently shot a music video in Zimbabwe, said he was happy that he could show support and love to young Zimbabweans. One of the donation beneficiaries expressed her gratitude after receiving the pads, saying: “The reusable pads have come at a good time. I am not employed and I cannot afford to buy disposable pads every month. I am happy that I am using a safer method than an old cloth.” Zimwana Worldwide has over the years prioritised the education of the girl child.
“The donation that Amanda, Gshytt and Young have made will help in reducing diseases associated with using unhygienic methods during menstruation,” said Rumbidzai Kamba, founder of Zimwana Worldwide.
Ranganawa said the pads were made by Mutasa-based community organisation, Chiedza Community Welfare Trust.
“Most young girls and women are failing to go to school and work because they do not have pads or cannot afford to buy them,” she said. “Young, Gshytt and I decided that it would be best to support and help women by giving them something that is sustainable and safe to their health.”
Online Reporter