Ekenia Chifamba, Director of Shamwari Yemwanasikana
BY NYARADZO CHITUNGO
Following Menstrual Hygiene Day marked on 28 May, Shamwari Yemwanasikana will distribute sanitary pads, underwear, and hygiene education to vulnerable girls in Murehwa on June 1 under the campaign message “No Girl Should Miss School Because of Her Period.”
According to the organisation, many schoolgirls in Zimbabwe still miss up to five school days each month or attend class in discomfort because they lack menstrual hygiene products. In rural and semi-rural areas like Murehwa, the challenge remains a barrier to education, dignity, and participation.
Ekenia Chifamba, Director of Shamwari Yemwanasikana, enunciated that the organisation identifies beneficiaries through schools, local leadership, and the Ministry of Women Affairs to reach girls from households facing economic hardship.
Asked why they especially selected Murehwa out of all the provinces, Chifamba said the move was calculated as well as pragmatic.
“We selected Murehwa deliberately because it reflects many of the realities we are responding to as an organisation — we have rural and semi-rural communities where menstrual hygiene challenges remain a serious barrier to education, dignity, and participation for girls.”
On the day, Shamwari Yemwanasikana will expand their drive by also educating the girls on menstrual hygiene management, sessions which she technically described as “intentionally holistic and dignity-centred.”
She said the sessions will cover a basic understanding of the menstrual cycle and reproductive health. Because myths still surround menstruation, the organisation will also address harmful cultural misconceptions about periods.
Chifamba also pointed to the positive fact that there is clear shift in confidence which was attributed to the distribution of sanitary products to these vulnerable girls.
“The girls become more expressive and participatory in school and community settings,” she said.
“In terms of education outcomes, school attendance improves significantly during menstrual cycles. Girls who previously missed school due to lack of sanitary products or fear of stigma are now able to attend consistently, she added.
Chifamba highlighted on the challenges the organisation faces in smoothly running the noble initiative.
“While the impact is strong, the demand far exceeds available resources. The scale of need continues to grow, especially in rural communities,” she lamented.
Apart from logistical constraints which are a major hurdle, reaching remote areas, transporting supplies, and ensuring equitable distribution compounded the situation further.
The organisation is calling for partnerships with individuals, corporates, and development actors who share its vision.
For the imminent June 1 drive, Shamwari Yemwanasikana is seeking logistic support in terms of sanitary pads, underwear, toiletries, bathing towels, and finances.
The June 1 distribution in Murehwa is part of Shamwari Yemwanasikana’s ongoing exercise to keep girls in school. The organisation vows to expand the programme to more rural areas depending on donor support.
