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From the Heart of Catalyst Foundation’s S.H.E. Programme: Standing with Girls in Zimbabwe and Zambia
We witness firsthand the incredible potential within every girl we serve. We also see the silent battles they face, often hidden behind cultural taboos and a lack of basic resources. For too many, a natural part of life – menstruation – becomes a monthly obstacle, a barrier that tragically hinders their education, their health, and their very futures. We are driven by a deep commitment to change this narrative, to break the silence surrounding menstrual hygiene, and to empower girls in communities across Zimbabwe and Zambia to thrive.
The Urgent Need: A Glimpse into the Daily Realities
Our work on the ground brings us face-to-face with the stark realities of period poverty. The statistics, while sobering, only scratch the surface of the daily struggles faced by these young women:
- In Zimbabwe, we know that an overwhelming majority – 72% of schoolgirls who menstruate – are unable to afford basic sanitary products. Imagine the indignity and the impossible choices this forces upon them. Tragically, this lack of access directly translates to lost learning, with 62% of Zimbabwean schoolgirls missing school every month simply because they are menstruating.
- In Zambia, our colleagues and partners share similar stories. Over half of female students – more than 50% – express deep dissatisfaction with the inadequate and often unhygienic sanitation facilities available to them. To the point of having to use leaves and cow dung as a substitute. The absence of clean, private spaces and the sheer lack of access to menstrual products create an environment where managing their periods with dignity is virtually impossible.
These aren’t just numbers; they represent bright, capable girls whose potential is being stifled. They are girls who are forced to use unsafe and unhygienic materials, putting their health at risk. They are girls who feel ashamed and embarrassed, often isolated by cultural norms that deem menstruation a taboo subject. And crucially, they are girls who are missing out on vital education, the very foundation for a brighter future.
Our S.H.E Programme’s Holistic Approach: More Than Just Sanitary Pads
We understand that addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive and compassionate approach. We don’t just provide sanitary products; we strive to create a supportive ecosystem where girls feel empowered, informed, and healthy. Our strategic objectives are designed to create lasting change:
- Strengthening Foundational Health: We believe that healthy girls learn better. That’s why we are committed to increasing access to primary healthcare services. Through mobile clinics and partnerships with local healthcare providers, we bring essential medical check-ups, vaccinations, and treatment directly to the communities we serve.
- Championing Menstrual Health Management: Providing access to sustainable menstrual hygiene products is crucial, but it’s only part of the solution. We also empower girls with the knowledge and skills to manage their menstrual health with dignity. This includes teaching them how to make their reusable sanitary wear and conducting vital educational workshops that break down the taboos surrounding menstruation and address related health concerns.
- Building Knowledge and Breaking Stigma: Education is key to creating lasting change. Our community health education campaigns are designed to raise awareness about safe hygiene practices, disease prevention, and reproductive health, fostering open conversations and challenging harmful cultural norms.
- Creating Sustainable Support Systems: We are investing in the future by establishing local health resource centres. These centres will serve as vital hubs for information, resources, and referrals, ensuring that support for healthcare and menstrual health is accessible and sustainable within the community.
Our Vision: A Future Where Every Girl Can Thrive
Our ultimate goal is to see every girl we reach healthy, confident, and in control of her own body. When girls are not held back by preventable health issues or the indignity of period poverty, they can flourish in the classroom, pursue their dreams, and become the resilient leaders of tomorrow. We believe that by addressing these fundamental needs, we are not just improving individual lives; we are strengthening entire communities.
You Can Be a Catalyst for Change: Join Us
The challenges are significant, but our belief in the power of collective action is unwavering. We know that we cannot do this work alone. We invite you to join us in our mission to break the silence and empower girls through health and menstrual dignity.
Take Action With Us
- Invest in Her Future: Your generous contribution can directly provide menstrual products, healthcare services, and vital education to girls in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a tangible difference.
- Amplify Her Voice: Help us raise awareness about the realities of period poverty by sharing our work and challenging the stigma surrounding menstruation in your communities.
- Become a Partner and Advocate: Support us and help advocate for policies that prioritise menstrual health and access to essential resources for all girls.
Together, we can create a world where menstruation is no longer a barrier to a girl’s potential, but simply a natural part of life managed with dignity and without shame.
