Access to Sanitary Wear for 1000 Girls in Matobo

INTRODUCTION GlobalGiving is an online crowd funding platform where HOCIC is raising funds. HOCIC is implementing the access to sanitary wear to sanitary wear to 1000 girls and young women aged between 10 to 24 years from Matobo and Bulawayo so that they do not miss school during their menstrual period. This is achieved through the provision of proper sanitary wear. Girls in rural areas are resorting to using cow dung for sanitary wear because its unaffordable. This increases the risk on cervical cancer and vaginal infections. The project also aims to teach the girls and young women on menstrual hygiene and also capacitate them on pad making for sustainability. ACTIVITIES HOCIC GlobalGiving team conducted a fundraising during the Menstrual Hygiene Day, with the objective of raising funds for the program. The fundraising was carried out at HOCIC offices. Numerous programs within the organization supported this initiative. The fundraising assisted in creating momentum for the GlobalGiving activities, which is to curb menstrual poverty among vulnerable communities of Matobo and Bulawayo. The sexual and reproductive health of adolescent girls and young women is of utmost importance as they can be susceptible to life threatening conditions like cervical cancer and vaginal infections. The fundraising managed to raise $21usd and 16 pads. GlobalGiving with the help of communications team set up a piggy bank donation booth by the reception, with the objective of raising more funds towards the program. Staff members have been receptive and support by making donations towards the cause. The project officer and project assistant also drafted and rolled out letters to potential donors and responses are yet to be received. With the objective of reaching out to a greater audience GlobalGiving embarked on creating awareness posters, with various message every week on menstrual health issues and menstrual stigma. The posters which include the GG Link are put on all HOCIC social media platforms. CHALLENGES • Late or no response from potential donors. • Lack of adequate funds. RECOMMENDATIONS • Ride on other programs which operate in the same areas. • More fundraising activities to raise more funds.