Menstrual health for deaf women in Zimbabwe

Nzeve's commitment to improving menstrual health among deaf women has been gaining momentum across new communities in Manicaland. Our mission to equip deaf girls with the skills to produce sanitary pads - which they can distribute to other deaf women while sharing vital menstrual health information - has been instrumental in promoting menstrual hygiene and empowerment amongst deaf women and girls.

In November of the previous year, we launched a Menstrual Health Education program at the Makwasa Deaf Club, focusing on the proper utilisation and maintenance of reusable sanitary pads. These sessions were designed to endow participants with comprehensive insights into the effective use and upkeep of these pads. The distribution of 45 reusable pads among 15 deaf girls and women, allocating three pads per individual, marked a significant step toward enhanced menstrual health management. Prior to this initiative, the women and girls of Makwasa faced considerable difficulty in obtaining affordable disposable pads, often resorting to less safe and impractical alternatives like t-shirts, socks, or newspapers. These makeshift solutions posed challenges in daily activities and educational attendance due to the risk of leaks and frequent changes required.

The introduction of reusable pads has been transformative, enabling deaf women and girls to attend school and engage in daily activities with confidence, free from the worry of stains. Their ability to participate fully in academic and business ventures has been greatly boosted, enhancing their self-assurance and overall well-being.

One participant expressed profound gratitude, noting her previous reliance on her husband's old t-shirts during her periods, which prevented her from attending to her daily tasks. The reusable pads have allowed her to go about her business without the need for constant changes. Another participant revealed her joy, recalling the discomfort and absenteeism from classes due to inadequate menstrual products.

As pads were distributed, Nzeve also provided informative handouts, complete with instructions on wearing, folding, and washing the pads. The use of visual aids ensured that all participants, including those without formal sign language knowledge, could fully grasp the information provided.

We are incredibly proud of our accomplishments, which have been made possible through your support. By equipping the deaf community with reusable pads, we are not only promoting menstrual hygiene but also empowering women. Their enhanced knowledge and confidence are a testament to the success of our initiative.

Together, we are making a significant impact on the lives of deaf women and girls. Let us persist in our efforts to empower, educate, and uplift.