IN Zimbabwe, water scarcity has emerged as a critical issue with far-reaching consequences on various aspects of daily life. Among those most affected are schoolgirls, who face significant challenges in managing their menstrual hygiene due to the unavailability of clean water.
The scarcity of water has created a dire situation for girls attending schools across the country. Without access to sufficient water, they struggle to maintain proper menstrual hygienic practices, compromising their well-being and hindering their educational progress.
The lack of clean water poses a serious challenge for schoolgirls in effectively managing their menstrual cycles. Insufficient water makes it difficult for them to wash reusable menstrual products or clean themselves adequately. As a result, many girls resort to unhygienic alternatives such as using old rags or toilet paper, exposing themselves to discomfort, infections and embarrassing leaks.
Furthermore, the absence of water in school settings deprives girls of the opportunity to maintain proper hygiene during their menstrual periods. Without access to clean water for handwashing before and after changing sanitary materials, girls face an increased risk of infection, jeopardising their overall health.
The scarcity of water also creates hurdles in managing menstrual waste within schools. Insufficient water for flushing toilets or cleaning sanitary waste bins leads to unhygienic conditions and improper disposal of used sanitary products. This not only compromises the girls' sense of dignity, but also creates an unsanitary environment that can contribute to health risks.
Beyond the physical implications, water shortages have a significant impact on the emotional well-being of schoolgirls. The stress and anxiety associated with managing menstruation without sufficient water can affect their focus, concentration, and overall mental health. This can lead to embarrassment, causing some girls to miss classes altogether.
To address these challenges, comprehensive solutions are needed to prioritise water access and menstrual hygiene management in schools. This includes ensuring clean water availability and proper sanitary facilities, promoting hygiene education programmes specifically addressing menstrual hygiene, and providing affordable and sustainable menstrual products.
Collaboration between schools, local communities, government agencies and non-profit organisations is crucial in implementing these solutions. Efforts can be made to install water storage facilities, establish handwashing stations and create private spaces within schools for girls to discreetly manage their menstrual hygiene. Additionally, educational programmes can raise awareness, eliminate stigma and equip girls with the knowledge and resources necessary for safe and dignified menstrual hygiene practices.
- NewsDay Cartoon February 28, 2023 edition
- NewsDay Cartoon March 10, 2023 edition
- Editor’s Memo: Fix public health system urgently
- Water shortages and schoolgirls’ hygiene
Keep Reading
Addressing water shortages and supporting the menstrual hygiene needs of schoolgirls is not only a matter of hygiene, but also a crucial step towards achieving gender equality and inclusive education for all in Zimbabwe. By ensuring access to clean water and adequate sanitation facilities, the country can empower girls to stay in school, pursue their education, and unlock their full potential.
