Call to end period poverty

Politician Linda Masarira has called on the Zimbabwean government to urgently end period poverty and formally recognise menstrual sick leave as a fundamental human right.

Her call came as Zimbabwe joined the world yesterday in observing Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025, held annually on May 28 to promote global action against stigma and to ensure access to safe, affordable menstrual care for all women and girls.

Masarira expressed deep concern over reports that most public schools have never received sanitary wear despite government allocations over recent years. Between 2020 and 2022, the government allocated a combined total of over ZWL$2 billion for sanitary products, including ZWL$200 million in 2020, ZWL$500 million in 2021, and ZWL$1.5 billion in 2022.

"Yet, most public schools report they have never received a single packet of sanitary wear from government," Masarira said in a statement. "This is a scandal. We demand an immediate audit of these funds - where did the money go? Which schools, if any, received sanitary wear? We demand transparency and accountability on this matter, for the dignity of our girls and women."

Masarira emphasized that menstruation should never be a barrier to education, health, or opportunity.

"Menstrual dignity is not just a right; it is a sacred affirmation that every woman's body is powerful, every girl's future is valid, and no one should bleed in shame or silence," she said. "It's time our workplaces and the nation recognised the need for menstrual sick leave as a human right for those who suffer from severe pain."

She urged the government to take swift action to address period poverty and improve support systems for menstruating women and girls.

"If the State can provide free condoms for leisure, what is stopping it from providing free sanitary wear for nature?" Masarira questioned.

Menstrual Hygiene Day campaigns aim to raise awareness and advocate for policy reforms that uphold menstrual health and dignity across the globe.