BY PATRICIA SIBANDA
BULAWAYO Provincial Affairs minister Judith Ncube has expressed concern over the skyrocketing cost of sanitary wear, which she said was beyond the reach of many women in the country. A pack of sanitary pads is priced between $100 and $200.
Research shows that women in the country, particularly from vulnerable communities, are using cow dung, rags, newspapers, leaves and tissue paper during their menses as prices of sanitary wear have skyrocketed.
Speaking to NewsDay yesterday, Ncube said many women had approached her over the skyrocketing prices and she pledged to take the matter to Parliament.
“I will make it a point that I chew over the matter with the leaders of women because this is ridiculous. We cannot be having sanitary wear being sold at $100 or$200. That is insane!” she said.
Ncube said government should come up with a policy that ensures poverty-stricken women, who make up the majority of the population, have access to the basic commodity and are not forced to turn to unhygienic means.
“Despite the fact that I will make sure I discuss this issue with the Senate president (Mabel Chinomona), I believe that what can be done is to equip women with the necessary skills to sew washable and reusable sanitary wear,” she said.
A woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, yesterday said government should come up with plans to ensure women do not struggle to access sanitary wear.
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“I am failing to understand why the government is not bothered with the hygiene of women. Why are they not taking drastic measures of coming up with policies to help women buy sanitary wear at subsidised prices? If I spend all my earning on sanitary wear, what will my family eat?” she said.
