By Ratidzo Makombe
Menstruation has somewhat become viewed as a luxury as far as biological function goes. I say this because 41% of girls in Zimbabwe have inadequate resources to go through their menstrual cycle and still go about their daily routine. This article seeks to shine a light on period poverty. Period poverty refers to inadequate access to menstrual hygiene tools and education, including but not limited to sanitary products, washing facilities, and waste management.
On average, a menstrual cycle requires adequate access to water, soap, a private disposing area, well-fitting underwear, sanitary wear of one’s choice and often some form of mild pain killers. All of these products require money. With most Zimbabweans live below the poverty datum line of $US1,49 a day this is an impossible feat. Sanitary pads cost an estimated $US5 and someone who has a heavy flow requires at least two packets. As a result of the inability to afford sanitary wear, some women and girls resort to using old clothes and leaves to contain the discharge. However, this does not come with the comfort of knowing you will not have any leaks. Due to this factor amongst others, women and girls have to forgo work or school for the duration of their cycle.
The challenges of period poverty in Zimbabwe go beyond affordability of sanitary wear. There are also Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) challenges. For over a decade now Zimbabwe has had challenges delivering good user-friendly water to its citizens. This affects the female demographic more. According to the ZIMSTAT 2019 Report, of the population that is water insecure, 79% of these are women are 15years of age and older. This demographic is responsible for carrying out the task of fetching water. This has a significant impact on women in Zimbabwe in particular, an effect on girl’s education and women’s contribution to the economy considering that women make up 52% of the population of Zimbabwe.
Menstruation needs have been ignored for too long and it is time to shine a light on their importance and remove stigma from a beautiful and natural part of the menstrual cycle.
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