Zimpapers Logo

Nokusa Masuku Chronicle Reporter
BULAWAYO East legislator Thabitha Khumalo says government should subsidise sanitaryware to make it affordable to women, the majority of them resort to using leaves and newspapers during menstruation.
Khumalo said using these substances was unhygienic and exposed women to the risk of infections by viruses causing cervical cancer.

Although sanitary pads range between $1 and $4, the majority of women, especially in the rural areas, cannot afford them.

“Every woman and girl child has a biological right to access hygienic and affordable sanitaryware regardless of their status in society. Those who are on Anti Retroviral (ARV) drugs are at high risk because their immune system is weak and therefore they are prone to infections,” said Khumalo.

Due to expenses that come with sanitaryware in Zimbabwe, Khumalo said proportional representation legislator Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga had requested the Minister of Finance Patrick Chinamasa to allocate a budget for sanitaryware. However, when the budget was announced, she said, they were disappointed to see that no allocation had been made.

“We pray that the sanitary budget will be submitted soon because to dignify women is to dignify the country.

“The government should subsidise hygienic and affordable sanitaryware for women,” said Khumalo.

Former Deputy Minister of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development, Jessie Majome, said there is inconsistency in the supply of sanitaryware.

“Sometimes the type of sanitaryware that one would be used to will not be available and one has to buy another type they are not familiar with which sometimes can be more expensive,” she said.

Majome also spoke about the disposal of sanitaryware saying that the incinerators that used to be available in public toilets are no longer available and there is also a shortage of water causing a lot of discomfort to most women and girls.

She also said relevant ministries should also assist women.

“This is not a Ministry of Women’s Affairs issue only; the Ministry of Health can also take part in ensuring the availability of hygienic sanitaryware.

The Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises can also make sure that sanitaryware is sold at an affordable price. The Ministry of Environment can ensure that there is sustainable means of sanitaryware disposal,” said Majome.