Menstrual health for deaf women in Zimbabwe

Nzeve has made significant strides in enhancing the menstrual health of Deaf girls and women in Manicaland. Over recent months, our initiative has seen the production and distribution of 300 reusable sanitary pads, coupled with menstrual health education sessions for the Deaf community. This mission to equip Deaf women and girls with knowledge and resources for managing menstrual health has had a positive and transformative effect on their lives.

We've trained five Deaf girls in the production of reusable sanitary pads in collaboration with Sanitary Aid Zimbabwe. These girls, from our Sanganai Club, then initiated the production of 300 reusable sanitary pads in July and August, sharing their newly acquired sewing skills with 12 other Deaf youth from the Sanganai Project during a skills transfer session at the Nzeve Deaf Centre. Through this collaborative effort, we succeeded in sewing the targeted number of reusable pads. These pads will now be distributed to other Deaf girls and women in Manicaland, allowing for broader access to menstrual health resources.

In September, we launched Menstrual Health Education sessions to instruct on the use and maintenance of reusable pads and began distributing them to Deaf girls and women in Mutare's urban and rural districts. We reached 47 Deaf women and girls from Sanganai, Mutambara, Chipinge, and Rusape Deaf Club. These sessions aimed to provide the participants with detailed knowledge on how to properly use and care for reusable sanitary pads, including information about how to wash and dry them correctly, and how long they can be worn. Previously, many Deaf women and girls struggled with access to disposable sanitary pads due to their cost. They often resorted to using alternatives like t-shirts or socks, which compromised their hygiene and well-being. With the introduction of reusable pads and the accompanying education, they now have a more sustainable and hygienic option.

One participant shared her relief, saying, “With this knowledge that I can wear the pad for up to 3 hours now, I can go out for my business comfortably during my period.”

We distributed 141 reusable sanitary pads to 47 deaf women and girls from various Deaf Clubs, each receiving three pads. During the distribution, we also provided handouts explaining how to wear and fold the reusable pads. We utilized visual aids to ensure clear communication, especially for those who don't have formal sign language skills. The provision of reusable pads has enabled these women to maintain better menstrual hygiene, shining a light on the immediate positive impact of our initiative.

One woman gratefully shared, “I can’t afford disposable sanitary pads and it’s good to have this reusable sanitary now I don’t have to use the unhygienic t-shirts and socks. My health can be better.”

We're immensely proud of our progress. Equipping the Deaf community with reusable pads fosters menstrual hygiene and empowers women. The increased knowledge and confidence displayed by the participants are testament to our initiative's success. However, this is just one step in our mission to empower more Deaf girls and women in more communities.

We're grateful to our dedicated team and all our supporters. Together, we're making a profound difference in the lives of Deaf women and girls. Let's continue to empower, educate, and uplift!