Shamwari Yemwanasikana, in partnership with Ms Enia Matenga, held a menstrual hygiene community outreach programme in Magaya, Murewa, reaching 80 girls under the leadership of Chief Mangwende and Headman Jakopo.
The programme brought together girls, parents, community members and other stakeholders for a menstrual health session covering personal hygiene, common misconceptions and challenges associated with menstruation.
Shamwari Yemwanasikana Programmes Officer Patience Kaerezi said the outreach was organised to address barriers affecting girls, particularly access to affordable menstrual products and appropriate hygiene facilities.
“We wanted to go beyond simply recognising menstruation as a health issue and create a space where girls could openly discuss their experiences, ask questions and access practical information without shame or stigma,” Kaerezi said.
During the session, girls raised concerns over the cost of menstrual products, with some saying they resort to using cloth when pads are unaffordable. They also discussed menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, fear of leakage and embarrassment at school, as well as limited privacy and inadequate disposal facilities in some schools and public spaces.
Kaerezi said Shamwari Yemwanasikana’s menstrual health programme extends beyond the distribution of menstrual hygiene kits.
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The organisation is supporting reusable menstrual pad production training at Chihota Donhodzo Healing House, while its girls’ empowerment platforms, including Dandaro Revasikana, provide spaces where girls can access information, discuss issues affecting them and build confidence.
The outreach also included performances, music and fitness exercises, with organisers promoting continued participation in school and community activities during menstruation.
For Ms Matenga, who was raised in Magaya, the outreach was an opportunity to support girls in the community where she grew up.
“Growing up in Magaya, Murewa, I understand some of the challenges that girls in our communities face, especially when it comes to menstrual hygiene,” she said.
“What motivated me to come back and support them was the desire to give back to the community that raised me and to help create an environment where girls can manage their periods with dignity, confidence and without shame.”
Ms Matenga said she would like to see increased access to affordable menstrual products, menstrual health education for both girls and boys, improved water and sanitation facilities in schools, and more open conversations within families and communities.
The outreach provided menstrual hygiene kits while creating a platform for girls, parents and community stakeholders to discuss menstrual health and the support required by girls during their periods.
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