Period poverty remains a significant barrier to girls’ education in Zimbabwe. Estimates from Forum for Women Educationalists Zimbabwe Chapter (FAWEZI) and UNICEF suggest that as many as 62% of rural girls miss school during menstruation, losing up to 20% of the academic year.
This blog introduces the reader to Viola Flo-Jo Mutambudzi, a teacher, who started girl’s clubs where girls talk about periods and create reusable menstrual kits. Since the club began, the school has seen a clear drop in absenteeism.