PAD IT FORWARD WITH YVONNE YVETTE

Amongst many existing challenges to girls education in Zimbabwe , a lack of access to proper feminine hygiene during their menstrual cycle presents a daunting yet avoidable challenge.Many schoolgirls are too poor to buy basic feminine hygiene products that others take for granted , for them menstruation often means missing school .

 

Donations from teachers , school offices or other unpalatable homegrown solutions to the “period poverty “ prove inadequate in most cases to allow these girls to attend and fully participate in school. Compounding this problem is poor sexual reproductive rights education , cultural taboos and a lack of dignity felt by many young girls during menstruation periods. Often girls too poor to provide their own feminine hygiene products end up relying on boyfriends and non family members for these products, which exposes them to potential sexual abuse, pregnancies and permanently dropping out of the school system. Some sadly,are even forced into premature marriages .The resultant cycle of poverty becomes hard to break , especially in rural Zimbabwe where over 70 % of the population live .

 

While there has been significant effort that by organizations, individuals and civic programs to increase access to sanitary products, the need remains ongoing and inadequately addressed.

 

Today with like minded colleagues, friends and organizations I announce our participation in these efforts . This is something near and dear to my heart and to many I have already engaged on the subject. There is so much more that can and needs to be done .

 

Our effort is to raise money to provide for both short term and long term sanitary wear needs of girls and women in Zimbabwe .We will also be collecting donations in kind , mainly reusable sanitary products ( period pads/ pants ) soap, toothpaste,roll on etc ) , sewing machines, sanitary wear fabrics , volunteer hours etc.

 

We are happy to announce that we are partnering with Shamwari YeMwanasikana, a registered private voluntary organisation that is already working in this sphere in Zimbabwe.

PayPal Details: [email redacted] 
Website:www.yvonneyvette.com