“I believe that I was born to bring hope”

Sarudzai Nyandoro, 42, from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, is a Community Champion trained by Women’s Action Group. Realising that the COVID-19 lockdown was compromising young girls’ sexual and reproductive health, Sarudzai took action to support young girls and raise awareness of menstrual health.

“I am a single mother of three wonderful boys. I spend most of my free time with my sons imparting knowledge and skills as their inheritance for a better future. I teach them to hold the torch and be leaders who respect women.

I started engaging the young girls in order to hear their concerns. I noticed that the issue of menstrual hygiene was a very big issue. I realised that sanitary pads were now expensive and it was no longer a priority for some families since some people’s livelihoods were affected due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Most of the young girls that I engaged indicated that they would even date or get into relationships with men only for money in order for them to buy a packet of sanitary pads.  Some of the stories were so sad.

I decided to do the little that I could in order to assist the young girls. I started to source for pads donations from various people and networks in my community. I managed to source 80 sanitary pads. On Menstrual Hygiene Day (28^th May), I donated the pads to 40 young girls and raised awareness on menstrual hygiene issues. The young girls were very happy.  The second time that I sourced for pads donations I only managed to get 20 sanitary pads and I donated the pads to the young girls. However, I have not been able to donate the pads consistently. The young girls still need the pads and they look up to me for help. I am considering to find other sustainable ways that enable young girls in my community to enjoy their sexual and reproductive health.

I believe that I was born to bring hope, I was born with the ability to bring smiles even in the most difficult times.”