Hundreds of residents gathered yesterday at Ngoni Hall in Norton for the handover ceremony of sanitary ware to underprivileged schoolgirls from various schools in the area. The initiative, part of the “Donate A Pad” program, was spearheaded by Councillor Shungu Tsomondo-Peter as part of her ongoing efforts to support vulnerable girls in her community.
Councillor Tsomondo-Peter, who recently received the prestigious Gender Links award for being an influencer of change in her community, expressed gratitude to the donors who contributed sanitary pads to the program. She emphasized the importance of reaching out to other vulnerable girls who face challenges in accessing proper sanitary products.
Guest of Honor’s Remarks
Dr. Abigail Magwenzi, founder of the local anti-drug initiative FASAA Rehab, served as the guest of honor and oversaw the distribution of the sanitary ware. In her remarks, she commended Councillor Tsomondo-Peter for her impactful work and encouraged her to continue supporting the needs of young girls. Dr. Magwenzi highlighted that access to sanitary pads boosts girls’ confidence, self-esteem, and dignity, ensuring they can focus on their education without disruptions.
Each beneficiary received a supply of sanitary pads sufficient for one year, a gesture expected to significantly improve the hygiene and well-being of the recipients.
Impact on Education and Well-being
The lack of access to proper sanitary ware often forces vulnerable girls to resort to unhygienic alternatives during their monthly cycles or skip school altogether, thereby hindering their learning progress compared to their male counterparts. The donation program addressed this critical issue, providing a total of 420 schoolgirls from various Norton schools with much-needed support.
This initiative by Councillor Tsomondo-Peter and her partners will play a vital role in enhancing the educational experience and overall quality of life for underprivileged schoolgirls in Norton.
