Girls return to school after period pain
June 2011: Girls in Nyakatsapa, eastern Zimbabwe, were dropping out of school during their menstrual period because of lack of information and teasing by boys - but not anymore, thanks to the Nyakatsapa Girls Fellowship Club.
Supported by Plan, the club members - comprising around 25 girls and 12 boys – reach out to pupils, teachers and the wider community to tackle ignorance and raise awareness on girls' reproductive health and hygiene issues.
Teased and ashamed
Previously, girls' menstruation was not discussed and teasing was widespread. "Most boys were laughing at them especially when the girls spoilt their dresses in class. They were making cartoons and making fun of them to the extent that girls would spend more than 3 days or a week without going to school because they were feeling ashamed," explains Plan Community Programme Facilitator Luciana Nyamapfene.
Club action plan
To address falling attendance and pass rates, Plan and local partners responded to an action plan put forward by the club members - assisting in building a girls' bathroom block, which for the first time provided pupils with a private place to change and wash. Training was also provided on girls' health and hygiene issues, as well as basic business skills.
Now the club is producing its own sanitary pads, which are sold locally or provided free to poorer students who can’t afford them. And boys are playing a key role in the process – joining the girls in making pads and taking the message out into the community through presentations, songs and drama performances.
Boy support
“I joined to be an example to other guys. We should stand firm. Menstruating is normal – it is a normal thing,” says 18-year-old Tengerai. “Our presence is increasing understanding that it is natural.”
Tendai, 19, is another A-level male student proud to be part of the club. “Every year boys do better – girls do not pass as well. Soon they will be equal in pass rate,” he says. “I like girls in my community – so they can’t be discriminated out.”
Fighting for rights
Tinotenda, 17, who has 2 brothers in the club, is delighted that the boys are supporting her and the other girls in raising awareness. She wants to continue her studies and become a human rights lawyer.
“In life I have to stand firm and fight for other women. They don’t know their rights are being violated. I want to fight for human rights,” she says.
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