admindemanding subsidised sanitary wear.
Finance Minister Tendai Biti is expected to present the 2012 National Budget tomorrow.
Sanitary towel prices range from US$1 to US$5 for a month’s supply, which is relatively high for young women who constitute the bulk of unemployed youths.
They are asking for an average price of US$1 for four months’ supply.
The women also demanded that sanitary wear be distributed for free in marginalised communities and educational institutions.
The petition was presented to the budget executive committee member, Ms Dorcas Sibanda, to consider their demands in the next budget.
“All colleges that have introduced medical aid systems should ensure that young women are able to purchase sanitary wear using their medical aid or health fee contributions.
“Young women continue to succumb to cervical cancer due the alternatives they use such as rags, newspapers, cow dung and tissues.
“Reproductive tract infections have increased in young women and their reproductive health is being compromised,” the petition read. Bulawayo Central House of Assembly Member Ms Dorcas Sibanda
said the petition was targeted at female representatives in the House of Assembly to lobby in the upcoming budget for responsible ministries to consider the demands.
“There is need for Parliament, retailers and manufactures to put heads together to ensure affordable sanitary wear for our young women.
“Collective efforts by different players is vital and it’s high time we do a serious self-introspection on whether we consider sanitary wear in our budgets at all levels,” she said.
Ms Sibanda said as policymakers they should appreciate the move by young women to speak out, co-ordinate themselves, march and gather to draw actions that will see Zimbabwe prioritising their dignity.
The march was a call to action on all stakeholders to deliver the delayed dignity.
The campaign offers opportunities for young people to advocate sanitary wear and other sexual and reproductive health rights.
Online Reporter