As the world commemorated World Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, the Africa Women Summit and its team of volunteers embarked on a week-long campaign aimed at raising and distributing sanitary pads to vulnerable girls across Zimbabwe.
International Menstrual Hygiene Day is an annual global awareness day observed on May 28.
It highlights the importance of good menstrual hygiene management, breaks period-related stigma, and advocates for universal access to safe, affordable menstrual products.
Initiated by the German-based NGO WASH United in 2013, the date was chosen because May is the fifth month, representing the average five days of a menstrual period, while 28 symbolises the average number of days in a menstrual cycle.
The theme for Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026 is Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”.
The Africa Women Summit initiative began at a local primary school in Norton, where the team donated sanitary wear and engaged learners on issues surrounding menstrual health, dignity, and child protection.
During the outreach programme, learners also led a campaign against child abuse under the theme, “Not in my school, not in my home,” highlighting the growing need to create safe spaces for children both at school and within communities.
The campaign exposed heartbreaking stories from young girls who often miss school due to lack of sanitary products, forcing many to use unsafe alternatives during their menstrual cycles.
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Speaking during the programme, Africa Women Summit Zimbabwe chapter chairperson and Women Empowered director Sibonikuhle Buhlungu said the experiences shared by the girls had shown the urgent need for sustained support rather than once-off interventions.
“We have realised from the sad stories and experiences shared by these girls that menstrual health support should not be a once-off event,” said Buhlungu.
“Many young girls continue to face challenges accessing sanitary products, and this affects their confidence, health, and education.”
She added that the Africa Women Summit team intends to spread the programme across the country to ensure more girls receive assistance and awareness on menstrual hygiene.
“Our goal is to reach as many communities as possible across Zimbabwe,” she said.
“We are appealing to individuals, corporates, and organisations to partner with us through donations of reusable sanitary wear or financial support to help us continue purchasing pads for the girls.”
Buhlungu said empowering girls through menstrual health support was critical in promoting education, equality, and dignity for young women.
The campaign continues this week as the team travels to different communities, schools, and disadvantaged areas to distribute sanitary products and raise awareness on menstrual health and child protection.
