First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa through her Angel of Hope Foundation in partnership with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, has donated reusable pads nationwide project as part of measures to improve menstrual hygiene and boost the living standards of women.
The pads will be distributed for free to vulnerable communities.
Speaking during the distribution of the reusable pads to all provinces yesterday, mai Mnangagwa said most young girls are ignorant of the menstruation circle, hence there is need to provide them with the basic need.
“Many girls are not prepared and not aware about menstruation when they experience their first period,
“Limited access to water, sanitation and hygiene services, particularly in public places, schools, place of work or even in health institutions is another major obstacle to women and girls.
“As a result, girls and women end up preferring to manage menstruation at home. It means that they are unable to participate in cultural, educational, social and income-generating activities during the days when they are having their periods on a monthly basis.” She said.
The first lady said mensuration pads should be available and affordable to all women and girls
“Here in Zimbabwe, it is estimated that a girl needs as much as the equivalent of US$2 per month to buy sanitary wear every month, yet not all families can afford this,
“Therefore, pads should be readily accessible and affordable to all women and girls. She said.
Meanwhile, the first lady urged corporates to always help in insuring girls sanity.
“It is, therefore, imperative that all our communities, development partners, business sector and other interested parties cooperate in providing a holistic approach to menstrual hygiene management.” She said.
