Empowering the girl child: Rotary Club donates sewing machines
Victor Sibanda
In a groundbreaking move, the Rotary Club of Victoria Falls, alongside partners, has injected hope into the lives of countless girls in Hwange District with the donation of 100 sewing machines for sanitary pad production. This initiative tackles a critical issue – period poverty, which forces girls to miss up to 60 days of school annually due to a lack of sanitary pads.
This project goes beyond providing essential hygiene products. It fosters empowerment, equipping girls with sewing skills that can become sources of income and self-reliance. Rotarian Hudson Mutomba emphasizes, “We capacitate the girl child… We want the girls to do hands-on activities by making their own washable sanitary pads.”
The initiative stems from a powerful collaboration between the Rotary Club, Children in the Wilderness, Jafuta Foundations, Pathways, and Lubhancho House. Each partner brings unique expertise, highlighting the strength of united action. Jafuta Community Development Director Sipho Moyo states, “Menstruation is one of the most important biological processes… We want to answer the call from the girl child.”
This project aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy of leaving no one behind. District Development Coordinator S. Muleya applauds the effort, stating, “Rotary, you are working well in line with the National Development Strategy… I am impressed because you are fulfilling the Government goals.”
The initiative not only provides pads but also aims to break the silence surrounding menstruation. Open conversations are encouraged to combat shame and stigma.
