Newly formed Midlands State University (MSU) Sociology Students Association Society (SSAS) is mobilising sanitary pads for female students and girls in the locality who cannot afford them due to the biting economy.
By Delicious Mathuthu
Operating from the MSU Gweru main Campus, the association has so far raised more than 105 units which were recently donated to disabled and international students at the main campus.
The association had initially targeted to raise more than 400 units for their initial donation.
SSAS Secretary General Sifelumusa Shumba, a second year Sociology Student at the institution, speaking after the first donation, said they are planning to mobilise more units.
“Due to limited time which was about two weeks, we only managed to raise 105 units/packs. Between 35 to 45 students benefitted and we agreed that we will focus on the disabled and international students at MSU as our first beneficiaries.
“Since menstruation is a continuous monthly process, we shall be mobilizing more and cover other areas,” he said.
Shumba said after a research made by the association they discovered that female students were facing serious challenges during their menstrual circles some resorting to unhygienic methods.
“We had a short research to try and see how ladies mostly students are managing with their natural cycles given the economic hardships and from the short research we discovered that they were genuinely incapacitated as they were failing to secure sanitary wear.
“Some are using unhygienic methods such as tissue paper, cotton wool and clothes which pose a danger to their health,” he said.
The association is relying on donations from well-wishers and other stakeholders in cash or kind.
Besides University students, the association is also targeting girls in surrounding communities who are facing similar challenges, including the local Secondary and Primary Schools before moving to other districts of the Province.
Driven by a six point strategic plan, which is fighting against sexual harassment, use of drugs and drug addictions, early child marriages and abortions, stopping the spread of HIV and AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections and new infections, promoting research and engaging in charity, the association is under the watchful eye of two Sociology Department Senior Lecturers Dr Shamiso Madzivire and Mr Wiseman Masunda as Patrons.
Just a month old, SSAS will be mainly focusing on research to expose gaps to bring sustainable development in the local community with a focus on vulnerable groups such as the girl child, women, the disabled and others.
On social media, the pads campaign is under the hashtags #MWANASIKANA, #NTOMBENHLE and #I_KE.
