Miss Glamour Zimbabwe out to make a difference Roseline Musekiwa

Yvonne Ncube, Showbiz Correspondent
MISS Glamour Zimbabwe 2021, Roseline Musekiwa, has taken up the role of social responsibility by launching a #padagirl campaign in an effort to empower girls and women.

The lack of sanitary wear has long been a concern for women in Zimbabwe, and several organisations have sprung up to fill the need.

The initiative which was introduced last year is this year running under the theme “Restoring the self-respect and dignity of the girl child”.

The third-year Film, Television and Media Studies student at Lupane State University said many girls suffer from pad poverty behind closed doors.

Lupane State University

“Young girls all over the country are dealing with menstrual poverty, but they won’t say it because they think it’s embarrassing hence they resort to using anything when they are on their period. By doing so, they’ll be risking their health and with a high number of cervical cancer cases recorded worldwide, it’s not ideal.

“Some girls even skip school because of this monthly experience that is beyond their control. So I took it upon myself to embark on this drive so that we can assist as many girls as possible. The aim is to protect the girl child and her dreams. Every child has a right to good education and good health,” she said.

cervical cancer

Musekiwa said their first successful campaign was in Bulawayo last year where over 50 girls benefitted.

“The initiative started last year when I partnered with IGugulethu foundation and Loveness accommodation. The first event was a success and the handover was done in Bulawayo. This time around, I’ve partnered with ZIMEFU and they’re offering training sessions on making reusable pads to the girls on the day of the handover.

“All girls are our target because this issue involves every girl. It’s a programme to empower young girls and kill the stigma that says girls can never make it. Many girls have lost hope of a brighter future and we want to bring back the hope and fighting spirit.”

pad

She said the handover will be on September 4 at Filabusi community halls.

“We’re expecting important guests and facilitators that will help and empower girls in all aspects of life.

We’re calling on other organisations that share the same sentiments as ours to reach out so that we work together. The drive won’t stop in Filabusi as we’ll take it to other towns and hopefully other cities.

“We’re leaving no girl child behind. A pack of pads can make a difference in a girl’s life,” Musekiwa said. – @SeehYvonne

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