Several children received sanitary pads courtesy of Ignite Afrique
Cephas Shava
MWENEZI – Ignite Afrique, a non-governmental organisation with a focus on empowering women and girls, last week donated sanitary wear to several school girls in the district.
Pupils from 10 schools gathered at Mwenezi Government High School to receive their share from the 2 000 packs of sanitary pads.
Ignite Afrique director, Charles Maregere said his organisation’s goal was to uphold the dignity of women and girls by improving their access to opportunities.
“We felt that addressing girls’ sanitary needs for girls will produce a better generation as female pupils will be able to stay longer at school. Lack of proper sanitary wear in poor communities is a major cause for concern,” said Maregere.
Mwenezi Government High head girl, Chipo Mundanga who is also a junior councillor for Ward 5, said due to poverty and limited access to information, the girl child was the most vulnerable member of society.
“We have no access to proper sanitary wear to make our school time comfortable. Many are missing class and some are dropping out of school altogether. There are also early marriages happening because of poverty and lack of knowledge,” said Mundanga.
With the support from partners like Diesel Technics and Harare-based Turner & Townsend Ignite Afrique has managed to source school fees for four bright but disadvantaged pupils in the district.
