By Margret Chogugudza
Women in Chitungwiza over the weekend celebrated the Menstrual Hygiene Day, under the theme ‘Education about menstruation changes everything’.
Women in Action a community based organisation that operates in Beatrice and Chitungwiza organized the awareness programme on menstrual hygiene. 50 women constituting of widows and single mothers from 26 years of age and above who resides in Nyatsime and Zengeza were trained by Tine Matambanadzo founder of Who I Am.
Alice Kuveya said “We are celebrating menstrual hygiene and training women on how to empower themselves through jewellery making, farming, hairdressing”.
“The reason for the training is for people to be hygienic, to sustain and empower themselves through projects. We will also be donating pads and clothes to the less privileged” said Alice the founder of Women in Action.
Menstruation is a natural process however in our society it is regarded as a taboo and is rarely talked about. Millions of girls and women are subject to restrictions in their daily lives simply because they are menstruating.
Women in Action also held a Reproductive, Health and Safety Discussion with women. Issues discussed include hygiene and reproductive health problems which affects women in their communities.
Chitownews yesterday also conducted a snap survey and women mention several problems they are facing regarding the issue of menstrual hygiene.
“Water is vital component for a woman when she is menstruating however; here in Chitungwiza we face the challenge of water cuts and unavailability of water in some areas. Shortage of water makes life very difficult for us women” said Varaidzo from Zengeza 1.
Aisha from St Marys said “Facilities for proper disposal of used materials is a serious problem for us and also given the economic hardship prevailing in the country the money to buy sanitary pads is scarce because the main focus for now is on food”.
May 28 is Menstrual Hygiene Day, a day to help in breaking the silence and building awareness about the fundamental role that good menstrual hygiene management plays in enabling women and girls to reach their full potential.
