#EndPeriodPoverty for Girls in Rural Zimbabwe

Talia Women's Network started the year with renewed emphasis on the "Keep Girls in School" campaign. The examination results published at the beginning of the year showed a decline in performance for rural schools for both O level and A level candidates. A number of reasons can be attributed to this poor performance including lack of adequate learning materials and also the secondary impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the prolonged school closures.

However, conversations with the female learners indicate that period poverty is a major factor that causes so much stress and worry among the female students. The economic hardships the country is facing has resulted in an increase in prices of most commodities and unfortunately menstrual hygiene products are now beyond the reach of many. The girls interviewed highlighted that their parents and guardians were struggling to raise money for their fees and basic household commodities. There was no money to spare for sanitary pads hence the girls resorted to using old pieces of cloth and old newspapers which is unhygienic and could potentially result in health concerns. Talia Women's Network distributed dignity packs which comprise of reusable sanitary pads, underwear and basic hygiene products to the girls.

We have attached screenshots from some of the conversations with the girls. The actual videos are available and will be posted as links.

Links:

• Testimonial on how the reusable pads are making a difference...