By Beatific Gumbwanda
Morana Investments, a Chiredzi-based company, has taken a significant step in supporting underprivileged girls at Chiredzi Government High School by donating essential menstrual hygiene products.
The initiative saw the company provide over 150 sanitary pads and a dedicated bin for the disposal of used pads, addressing a critical need among students who struggle to afford these basic necessities.
During the handover ceremony, Morana Investments Director Gabriel Tondhlana emphasized the importance of consistent support for young girls’ educational and personal needs.
“My fellow sisters, it is heart-wrenching to see girls being marginalized, not by their own choice but due to various circumstances. Linley (one of Morana Investments employees) came to me and described the situation here, and I assured her that we would take action to help these girls,” Tondhlana said.
He highlighted the educational impact of period poverty saying many would be forced to miss classes due to lack of the basic requirement.
“Many girls miss lessons during their menstrual cycles due to the lack of sanitary wear, which can make them uncomfortable around their peers that why we decided to come in and help,” said Todhlana.
Tondhlana committed to making the support ongoing through partnerships with diaspora contacts, stating the need to have a database of the girls who needed support so that they can engage the diaspora community for help.
“This is just the beginning. We need to determine the actual number of girls who require support so that we can work with our partners from the diaspora to make it a consistent effort to provide for our sisters here.
“As Morana, we will not stop with this donation. You can always liaise with Linley if you need further assistance. As a businessman, I feel it is my obligation to contribute to the community. I may not have a lot, but it is the right thing to do.”
Linley Mundo of Morana Investments expressed her motivation for the initiative, explaining the challenges many girls face in accessing menstrual products.
“Many of us girls are struggling and don’t have the means to speak up about what we lack, such as sanitary pads. Some of us resort to using cloths, and we have been fortunate to have support from brothers who dedicate what little they have to help us with our needs,” Mundo explained.
She detailed the purpose of the disposal bin, saying it would be used solely for used pads that would be burnt regularly,” said Mundo.
“The reason we provided a bin is primarily for disposal purposes. It will serve as our designated bin for disposing of used pads, which I understand will be burned every week,” said.
The donation is expected to boost school attendance and confidence among female students during their menstrual cycles, ensuring they can focus on their education without interruption.
