Menstrual health for deaf women in Zimbabwe

MBuilding on the menstrual health initiatives implemented in 2025, Nzeve continued supporting Deaf women and girls through the distribution of sanitary wear to 12 Deaf women and girls in Makoni District in March 2026. The intervention was part of ongoing efforts to ensure that Deaf women and girls continue to access menstrual hygiene products, accurate information, and support in accessible formats.

The continued engagement remains important because many Deaf women and girls have limited access to menstrual health information due to communication barriers and the shortage of information available in sign language. As a result, there is a need for continuous awareness sessions, repeated demonstrations, and consistent follow-up support to reinforce key messages on menstrual hygiene management, correct product use, and care of reusable pads. Sessions were facilitated in sign language by Deaf mentors, creating a safe and inclusive environment that encouraged participation and open discussion. 

Feedback from beneficiaries showed the positive impact of the previous 2025 distributions and education sessions. Participants shared that the reusable pads distributed during earlier interventions had helped reduce the financial burden of purchasing sanitary wear while improving comfort, confidence, and dignity during menstruation. The support also enabled some women and girls to comfortably continue with their income-generating activities and small businesses during their menstrual cycles without interruption.

Nzeve remains grateful for the continued support enabling Deaf women and girls to manage menstruation safely, confidently, and with dignity.

Nzeve continued to strengthen its commitment to improving menstrual health among Deaf girls and young women in Manicaland Province. During this reporting period, activities focused on sustained menstrual health education and the distribution of sanitary products in schools and Deaf clubs to ensure continued access to information and resources.

In November 2025, follow-up visits were conducted at Mutambara, Chisuko, Mount Melleray, St. Andrews, Hande, and Manzinde Primary Schools, as well as Deaf clubs in the same communities, reaching 80 women and girls. Education sessions reinforced key messages on menstrual health, hygiene, and correct product use. Disposable pads were distributed in schools, while both disposable and reusable pads were provided in Deaf clubs, accompanied by guidance on use and care.

All sessions were facilitated by Deaf mentors using sign language, supported by visual learning tools to ensure accessibility and effective engagement. Participant feedback highlighted improved confidence, practical life skills, and appreciation for reusable products. These outcomes underscore the value of consistent, context-specific menstrual health programming. Nzeve remains grateful for the continued support enabling this work.