TYDT recognized this as an urgent call to action. Understanding the devastating impact of period poverty on girls’ education, health, and well-being, especially during a global pandemic, we launched an emergency response to support girls and women with sanitary products, ensuring they would not be left behind due to their periods.

Working closely with local community leaders, schools, and the Ministry of Health and Child Care, TYDT distributed reusable sanitary pads and menstrual cups to over500 girls and women in Zaka district during the height of the pandemic. These products were not just a short-term solution, but a long-term, sustainable approach to help girls manage their menstruation with dignity. Reusable pads and menstrual cups, which can last for several years, provided a much-needed alternative to expensive, disposable products, particularly in a time of economic crisis and hyperinflation.

The distribution was coupled with Menstrual Health Management (MHM) education, where TYDT conducted socially distanced training sessions on how to safely use and maintain the products. These sessions were also a platform for breaking taboos around menstruation. TYDT actively involved boys, men, and community leaders to challenge harmful gender norms and end “period shaming.” Many girls had previously endured mocking, isolation, and stigmatization – SNV Zimbabwe’s survey revealed that 54% of menstruating girls had been mocked, and 62% missed school regularly due to a lack of access to sanitary products. TYDT’s intervention aimed to change this narrative.

One of the beneficiaries, Nyasha, a 14-year-old girl from Zaka, shared how receiving a menstrual cup changed her life: “Before, I used to miss a week of school every month. I couldn’t afford pads, and I was too embarrassed to ask for help. The menstrual cup I got from TYDT is reusable, and I don’t have to worry about leaking or being laughed at anymore. I feel more confident now, and I’m excited to go back to school full-time.”

Nyasha’s story is just one of many. Girls no longer had to choose between attending school and managing their periods. In a society where menstruating girls and women were sometimes regarded as unclean, TYDT’s intervention helped restore dignity and reduce gender inequality by ensuring they could participate in daily life without shame or fear.

As part of the initiative, TYDT also advocated for policy changes at the national level. Working with partners, the organization called for the government of Zimbabwe to include menstrual health management in its Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) budgets and plans. TYDT’s efforts to push for a Sanitary Dignity Policy Framework are aimed at ensuring that the bodily integrity and human rights of girls and women are protected, even in times of crisis.

The pandemic may have tested the resilience of girls and women in Zimbabwe, but through TYDT’s support, many were empowered to continue their education and lead healthy, dignified lives. As we work towards a just and inclusive society, we stand by the message that “no girl or woman, including persons living with disabilities, should be held back due to her period.” TYDT’s COVID-19 menstrual health response is a testament to the power of community-driven solutions in addressing period poverty and fostering equality. Together, we continue to challenge the status quo, ensuring that girls and women have the resources and support they need to thrive—during the pandemic and beyond.

“Working together with TYDT, the B2B has made remarkable progress on condom uptake,” Sister Makuzva shared, beaming with pride. “Through education and support, boys are now actively taking responsibility for their sexual health, leading to a significant increase in condom uptake than before. This shows the power of the B2B program in promoting safer sexual practices among boys who have been often left out.”

The B2B program stands out for its holistic approach. It not only provides accurate and accessible information about sexual health but also fosters mentorship and peer-to-peer learning. Boys, who were once hesitant to seek advice or support, are now confidently visiting health clinics and taking proactive steps to protect themselves and their partners. A key feature of the program is its focus on building trust between health professionals and young men. This is exemplified by the relationship between Sister Makuzva and the boys she meets at the clinic. Through breaking down stigma and creating an open-door policy, the program has seen a dramatic rise in boys accessing condoms and other essential health services.

The numbers speak for themselves. Where there was once a reluctance to engage with sexual health services, there is now a noticeable shift. Boys are stepping up and embracing their roles as responsible partners in sexual health. This not only reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies but also nurtures a generation of young men who are informed, responsible, and resilient. The B2B program’s success goes beyond numbers – it’s about changing mindsets and creating lasting impact. As the program continues to grow, it aims to reach more boys, reinforcing the message that sexual health is everyone’s responsibility. With the tireless efforts of health champions like Sister Makuzva and the unwavering support of TYDT, the future looks brighter for the boys of Zaka district.

“Before this, I thought marriage was my only option,” says Tanaka, one of the participants. “Now, I run a business, support my family, and stay in school.”

Alongside poultry production, ISALS gave the girls financial control for the first time. Through savings groups, they pooled resources, took out small loans, and expanded their businesses. These savings networks didn’t just strengthen their finances – they fostered support systems among the girls, helping them grow in both confidence and entrepreneurship.

Rutendo, another participant, shared, “The ISALS helped me expand my poultry business and invest in my future.”

This initiative has also made significant strides in fighting child and early marriages. The financial independence and skills the girls have gained empower them to resist family pressures to marry early, focusing instead on their education and business growth.

As these girls thrive, their success sparks positive change in their communities, showing that economic empowerment can transform lives and help end harmful practices like early marriage. TYDT’s initiative is not only building businesses but also reshaping futures across Zaka District.

In response, the Youth Employment and Resilience Activity (YERA), implemented by Tariro Youth TYDT, stepped up, rallying 42 enthusiastic young leaders – including youth with disabilities – for a powerful public consultation. Guided by TYDT, these youth boldly addressed the gaps, advocating for solutions around education, skills development, and health services, all crucial for their future. Their efforts paid off. The ZRDC Master Plan now proudly includes a dedicated youth pillar, directly addressing the employment, education, health, and civic participation needs of young people. TYDT’s leadership ensured youth ideas became central to Zaka’s long-term development, positioning them as the driving force behind the district’s growth and transformation. This victory is a testament to the power of youth-led advocacy and the boundless potential of Zaka’s young minds in shaping their community’s future.

Held under the watchful eyes of Mayors, Town Clerks, Rural District Council CEOs, and Parliamentarians, the conference empowered Zaka’s youth to reimagine their role in local governance. They shared bold ideas and strategies to hold leaders accountable, proving that young people can lead civic action. For the first time, Zaka’s junior councillors crossed paths with their peers from across Zimbabwe, igniting a powerful exchange of ideas that would fuel their ambitions to be change makers.

Among them was Graca Mushonga, a junior councillor and member of the YERA’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB), who stood out from the pack. Out of 300 councillors who entered the conference’s cooking competition, Graca earned a coveted spot among the top six to showcase her skills at the 64th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) from April 23-27, 2024. Representing Zaka on a national stage, Graca joined the First Lady’s Munhanga, Mugota Program, where she prepared exquisite traditional dishes and served international guests.

Graca Mushonga

Graca’s journey from Zaka to Victoria Falls and finally to ZITF was a testament to the limitless potential of young people when given the platform to shine. YERA’s unwavering support is unlocking Zaka’s youth leadership, driving their voices to the forefront of Zimbabwe’s development. Graca and her peers are leading the way for a new generation of fearless, empowered leaders.