Social media personality Anna Honde has sparked a powerful conversation online after passionately addressing the harsh realities faced by young girls in marginalized communities due to period poverty.
In a heartfelt and emotional post shared on her social media platforms, Honde questioned the government’s and society’s priorities, highlighting the free and easy access to condoms while young girls struggle to access sanitary pads.
“Zimbabwean men, taurai tinzwe. Murikuwana macondoms sei for free, mwanasikana asina pad? The girl child in marginalized communities is suffering,” Honde wrote. “What’s so difficult about providing free pads to girls in rural areas?”
Her post, which included vivid and painful descriptions of girls improvising with torn clothes due to lack of menstrual products, struck a chord with many.
“It’s not easy to wake up with blood-soaked underwear and start thinking about which T-shirt to tear to use as a pad… It’s not easy going to school or sports while wearing makeshift protection under your clothes.”
Honde’s message highlighted the everyday struggles of adolescent girls forced to choose between education and dignity, and called on policymakers, donors, and the public to address this pressing issue.
“Having your period is not a choice. But sleeping with someone is. So why is one protected and the other ignored?”
