Empowering Girls and Listening to their Questions
The girls and young women who are part of our sanitary kit programme tell us their are many benefits to this programme.
Girls like Loyise Matemba explain that being involved in the making of these kits has been a great help to her. Loyisi joined the sanitary project in 2020 and now she can sew different outfits, skirts, dresses and she is happy because now she inspires other girls in her area. Loyise comes from an economically challenged home where parents rely on piece work. This unreliable source of income can often lead to going to sleep on an empty stomach. Loyise explained to use that the provision of a lunch allownce for those who participate in the progrmme was very important.
The project was blessed recently by a gift of 8 new pedal machines and 1 electric machine. The gift came from Brussels Vésale Rotary Club and a special thank you also to Sue Bird, Associate Director for Mbedza based in Brussels for this initiative. Alongside our existing machines it has meant that more girls can take part in the making and producing of the sanitary kits. In the past, the limited number of machines meant that not all those who wanted to participate were able to leading to frustration and reduced enthusiasm. The numbers of those who would like to participate continues to grow. (Photo - Mbedza staff team - Mphatso, Nina, Ruth and Bainatu).
The sanitary kit programme not only provides opportunities to learn textiles skills but also for sex and relationship education. Our team of staff have been trying to ensure that the education they provide responds to the real questions that girls have. One of the things that was noticed was that girls have many questions about their bodies and their boyfriends. Questions vary widely and concern many topics. All questions are treated seriously and our skilled counsellors and female staff provide counsel and answers to guide these young people (Photo: Bainatu Masambuka, HIV Counsellor).
One girl asked about the suitability of having sex if she and her boyfriend have tested HIV negative. The counsellors advised that the girl who is under age needs to be careful, being HIV negative does not prevent chances of pregnancy and being under age can lead to complications in childbirth since her body is not ready or mature. The challenges of taking care of a baby at a young age were discussed and also the risks of sexually transmitted infections.
Another question related to hygiene and if you can use the sanitary pad without the piece of lining. This girl was advised that for the sanitary kit to be effective the lining must be used and this is why each kit provides three linings.
A certain girl asked if she has sex with her partner when she is menstruating whether this avoids pregnancy. The girls was advised that in terms of her monthly cycle she is correct but in terms of hygiene there are other considerations.
Another question concerned what to do if you have missed your period for two months but have not had sex with any man. She was advised to consult a doctor and do a proper check with the gynaecologists.
So far in 2024, this programme has distributed sanitary kits to over 400 girls and provided health, sex and relationship guidance.
