By Chimeno Azriel
In a heartwarming display of solidarity, women in Kadoma have joined forces to combat period poverty as they are part of the Pad Up Kadoma (PUK) volunteers in sourcing sanitary pads from the Kadoma community for girls in Primary and Secondary schools struggling to survive without them.
This initiative is in support of the Pad Up Kadoma drive spearheaded by Kadoma Central Member of Parliament Gift Mambipiri.
The timing of this initiative is poignant as Women’s Month serves as a reminder of the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment.
By addressing period poverty, these women are tackling a critical issue that disproportionately affects girls and women.
Period poverty has severe consequences on girls’ education, health and well-being. Without access to sanitary pads, girls are forced to miss lessons and resorting to makeshift materials that can lead to health complications. The women of Kadoma are determined to change this narrative.
The Pad Up Kadoma initiative aims to provide sanitary pads to girls in need promoting menstrual health and hygiene.
Women from various backgrounds have come together and joined other volunteers in sourcing sanitary pads and mobilising resources as they say that they could not stand by and watch the girl child suffer.
By being part of the PUK initiative, these women are not only going to change the lives but also contributing to a broader societal shift.
During an interview with the women who are volunteers in this initiative, they said that they want to empower girls, so that they know that they empowered the communities and that every sanitary pad donated brings them closer to a future where no girl misses school due to period poverty.
“As we strive for a brighter future in Kadoma,I as a Women’s University student I am excited to join hands with all to address a critical issue affecting my fellow girls’ health and education.
“Menstruation is a natural part of life but for Kadoma girls, it is missed school days, discomfort and embarrassment and this leads to lower performance in school, decreased self-esteem and increased school dropout rate,” said Charlene Vimbai Karima.
“This donation is going to empower girls to stay in school, promote health and hygiene and boost confidence and self-esteem and our aim as women is to ensure that every girl can at least have pads for a term so that they do not miss classes due to menstruation.Let us unite and make a difference in the lives of Kadoma’s girl child,” explained Charlene.
“I encourage every capable hand to take part in this initiative as no amount or quantity is too small.This is a great opportunity to celebrate women and support our sisters in staying in school.
“Every single contribution will make a significant difference in the lives of our girls and by supporting the girl child with proper sanitation, we are not only keeping them in school but also protecting them from various health complications. Lend a hand, and let us keep our girls in school,” said Shirleen Ropafadzo Dzumbunu.
“All I can say to Kadoma community is put a smile on our girls can’t afford to purchase pads and make them to stay at home until their periods is done which is a disadvantage for them and empowering our girls with proper sanitary pads is not just about hygiene, it is about dignity, about telling our girls that they matter, that their education matters, and that they deserve to live with dignity,” said Chipo Mukaro
The selflessness, empathy, and kindness of the women in Kadoma are a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference in the lives of others.
Their efforts to provide sanitary pads to girls in need are a testament to the transformative power of community.
As volunteers in the Pad Up Kadoma initiative, these women are driving positive change in their community.
They are not only addressing the pressing issue of period poverty but also working to break down the stigma and shame surrounding menstruation. By promoting education, awareness, and open conversations, they are empowering girls with the knowledge and confidence to manage their menstrual health effectively.
Through their dedication and passion, the women of Kadoma are helping to create a brighter, more equitable future for all girls in the community.
Gift Mambipiri‘s Pad Up Kadoma initiative is a game-changer for girls’ education in Kadoma providing a vital lifeline to those who have been marginalized by period poverty and by launching the initiative, the Kadoma Central Member of Parliament has demonstrated his commitment to tackling the scourge of period poverty, which has denied countless girls their right to education.
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