Over 90 per cent of Zimbabweans are unemployed and 80 per cent of the population live below the poverty line. Women bear an unequal burden of the crisis with a HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of 21 per cent and a life expectancy of just 43 years.

The facts

The economic situation in Zimbabwe means proper sanitary protection is expensive and many women resort to using unhygenic alternatives.

• Some women use newspapers, rags, leaves and bark as a substitute to sanitary pads.
• This leads to infections and an increased risk of contracting STIs such as HIV
• It can lead to infertility and causes social embarrassment
• Many women cannot go to work and girls cannot go to school when they have their periods

• ACTSA works in close partnership with the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU)
• Together, we raise awareness and funds to provide the women of Zimbabwe with safe and hygienic sanitary protection
• Since 2005, we have distributed more than seven million free sanitary products

Although the 2009 political agreement has brought some stability to Zimbabwe, the economic situation is still a real concern. You can read more about what life is like for women in Zimbabwe here:

• Zimbabwe 30 years on: What is life like for the women of Zimbabwe?

What you can do

There are many ways you can support Dignity! Period. By organising events, fundraising, gaining sponsorship and raising awareness, you can make a huge difference to the lives of women in Zimbabwe.

Visit the Dignity Get Involved section for ideas, or make a donation today

 

Donate to Dignity

Just £12 will ensure a woman has sanitary protection for one year.

 

Get involved

Why not hold an event, promote Dignity! or buy merchandise?

 

Links

• Testimonies

• Dignity! photos on flickr

• Latest news from Zimbabwe

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