Period poverty is a global issue affecting women and girls who don’t have access to hygienic sanitary products and who are unable to manage their periods with dignity. Yet access to sanitary products is essential for anyone who menstruates.

Zimbabwe is one of the many underdeveloped countries in which period poverty is still a big issue. Women and girls are often forced to use whatever they can to manage their periods including rags, newspapers and even tree leaves. For women and girls who are able to access some sanitary towels, many have no choice but to re-use the same.

The education problem
Not having access to sanitary products causes girls to drop out of school during their vulnerable days. Dropping out of school on such a regular basis deprives girls of getting a quality education.

Around the world, girls are less likely to graduate from secondary school than boys. And while there are many reasons for this, periods play a major role. In some cases, girls simply don’t have access to sanitary products, in others, they face discrimination and stigma during their periods.

You can help to get girls back in school!
Imagine yourself during your vulnerable days not having access to any sanitary products at all. In the Western world we are so privileged to be able to carry on our normal everyday life during our periods because of the availability and variety of such products. We even consider it a human right to be able to manage our periods with dignity.

The project “VULNERABLE” is looking for women who have a heart for reducing period poverty for girls attending the school” in Silobela, (Zimbabwe) and bringing them back into education through raising funds for a Period kit.

Period Kit
Our aim is to provide every girl of the local school with a Period Kit which contains

• 6 reusable pads
• 4 pairs of underwear
• A bar of Soap
• A small towel
• An information card for menstrual health

Reusable Pads
Reusable pads have a big number of advantages including the fact that they can last for years compared to the short lifespan of the disposable ones. They are environmentally friendly, reduce skin infections and are long term much cheaper than disposable pads.

Get creative and raise funds!
If you would like to make a difference in a life of a girl, become a partner and raise £18 for a Period Kit. Here are some ideas to help you hit the top.

Host a period party: A party with a purpose
Whether in your garden, via zoom or in your home invite friends to a simple or a fully catered party. Provide a fun and enjoyable event that shares with the guests about the issue of period poverty and how we can make a difference. Ask the guests to donate what they would normally spend on a hostess gift.

Social distancing doesn’t have to stop you taking on a challenge! The most of the following fundraising events can be adopted to an online version.

• Running
• Trekking
• Coffee morning
• Virtual Tea Party
• Cycling
• Obstacle Race
• Quiz Night
• BBQ Party
• Car Boot Sale
• Ebay your clutter
• Gaming Tournament
• Themed party
• Ugly sweater Party
• Bake sale
• Book sale
• Bingo Night
• Bad Taste Party
• Car Wash Day
• Lawn Mowing
• Raffle
• Shave your head
• Cycle to work
• Karaoke Night
• Birthday Faundraiser
• Bake off

Whatever ideas you choose to fundraise – your support is crucial. Have fun!