Of fighting period poverty...

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With the International Women’s Day closely looming, one cannot help but look at various strides women have made world over. However the challenges which remain a thorn in the flesh of many also come to light because days like these tend to magnify areas which still need a lot of attention.

Imagine being a young girl, eager to pursue an education, dream, and build a brighter future; yet every month, something as natural as your menstrual period forces you to stay home. Not because it’s a choice but because you lack access to basic menstrual products.

This is the sad reality for millions of girls around the world. In Zimbabwe, almost 72% of women and girls cannot afford menstrual products. Such a health crisis cannot go unmentioned.

But where challenges persist, so does hope.

The recent donation of Sanitary wear to a local non-profit organisation by the Indian Women Association reminded me that more organisations and even individuals can chip in and do more to address this issue.

What Is Period Poverty?

Period poverty goes beyond the inability to buy pads or tampons. It is the lack of access to:

* Menstrual products.

* Clean and safe sanitation facilities.

* Education about menstrual health.

For girls living in poverty, menstruation becomes a monthly sentence of shame and isolation. 1 in 10 girls in Sub-Saharan Africa misses school during their periods, falling behind academically and socially. Many drop out altogether, their dreams of education and independence slipping further out of reach.

Periods are natural, yet stigma and misinformation create a culture of silence and shame.

As Zimbabwe will soon be joining the rest of the world in celebrating women, you and I should play a part in making some girl’s menstrual period a comfortable one.