POLITICIAN Linda Masarira has called on the government to end period poverty and recognise menstrual sick leave as a human right.
Masarira made the call as Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world yesterday to mark the Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025 which is observed annually on May 28.
The commemorations are meant to push for global action to end stigma and ensure access to safe, affordable menstrual care for women and girls who menstruate.
Masarira, however, said it was distressing that most public schools reportedly never received a single packet of sanitary wear despite government allocating a budget.
The allocated funds include ZWL$200 million in 2020, ZWL$500 million in 2021 and ZWL$1,5 billion in 2022.
“Yet, most public schools report they have never received a single packet of sanitary wear from government,” Masarira said in a statement.
“This is a scandal. We demand an immediate audit of these funds, where did the money go? Which schools, if any, received sanitary wear?
“We demand transparency and accountability on this matter, for the dignity of our girls and women.”
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Masarira said menstruation should never be a barrier to education, health or opportunity.
“Menstrual dignity is not just a right; it is a sacred affirmation that every woman’s body is powerful, every girl’s future is valid and no one should bleed in shame or silence,” she said.
“It’s time our workplaces and the nation recognised the need for menstrual sick leave as a human right for those who suffer from severe pain.”
Masarira urged government to take immediate action to address period poverty and provide support for menstruating women and girls.
“If the State can provide free condoms for leisure, what is stopping it from providing free sanitary wear for nature,” she added.
The Menstrual Hygiene Day campaign aims to raise awareness and push for policy changes to support menstrual health and dignity.
The theme for this year’s campaign is Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.
