No more Menstrual Stigma. Period!

Dear Supporters,

It was 9.15am and the girls that the GVI Trust has been working with for the last year started to arrive at the community center. Whilst the girls were the same, the situation was different. The girls' big bright smiles were safely protected behind the masks, they were stopped by the gate to have their temperatures checked and given hand sanitizers before entering the courtyard. I could no longer high-five them to welcome them to the session, what I could do though was to give big waves to show my excitement that I yet again could see them. It has been a rough few months for everyone across the world, but particularly rough for girls and women in Zimbabwe, a target group which suffered from period poverty prior to the pandemic. 

Part of our work during the pandemic had led up to this day. The GVI Trust has assisted to provide emergency pads as part of food parcels distributed during the pandemic, but we all knew that it was just a temporary solution until we had a more sustainable model. 

Solutions, that is what we need. Solutions for period poverty, one of the global issues that we have been reminded throughout this pandemic. Something sustainable so that girls and women do not need to worry about their intimate health even when financial resources are scarce. Lucky for us, the solutions are already on the market and available in Zimbabwe. And that is why I yet again could meet the girls in Zimbabwe. 

GVI Trust are strong believers in partnership, which is why we had been searching for a committed, local and passionate partner to tackle period poverty in Zimbabwe and when we connected with Viva Lily, it is easy to say that all the pieces came together. Through your donations, and Viva Lily’s offer to match GVI Trust’s donation we were planning to provide training on menstrual health, and menstrual cups to over 80 women and girls in an informal settlement in Zimbabwe. 

The decision to go with this model was to be able to not only provide the girls with menstrual cups, but extend the knowledge and product to their mothers. This is anticipating to ensure that the girls’ cups remain theirs, but also that the girls and their female guardian could share the experience, learn and support each other throughout the process. 

By encouraging, educating and distributing menstrual cups in communities suffering from poverty have numerous benefits. Not only are menstrual cups better for your intimate health and the environment, but also far more affordable. One menstrual cup will last for a 10 years, making it an incredible investment as it will take only six month to achieve a return on investment as no more money will need to be spent on pads and tampons; and more importantly, no more dirty rags or papers will need to be used to increase infection rates. Thanks to you we have been able to distribute 82 menstrual cups in the last quarter, and put up a battle against period poverty. Whilst this is a massive achievement, the work to end poverty does not stop. By donating $10 you will ensure that one girl gets out of period poverty for the next 10 years!

With Gratitude,

Africa Menstrual Stigma