72% of menstruating schoolgirls in Zimbabwe do not use sanitary pads because they cannot afford them. Studies also show that 62% of schoolgirls miss a week of school every month due to this.
Kumba Kit, has been designed to give girls between the ages of 11-14 in rural, poverty stricken areas of Zimbabwe, the opportunity to learn how to make their own sanitary pads; in order to fight period poverty and empower these young girls with the knowledge and ability to take control of their lives and feel their best-selves.
As a charitable initiative, giving these free packs will be life changing and means these girls will not miss out on life and education. In the local language, Shona, 'Kumba' means home and carries the essence of a secure, safe, place.
The Pack
The kit is specially designed to support the girls in a poverty-stricken area by providing all the necessary materials to make their own pads. To make it easy to use and prevent the loss of items, all the tools like scissors, pins, and needles, as well as fabric and buttons, are included and can be stored securely in the kit. To empower the girls, the instructions are detachable, so they can share their knowledge with other members of their community. The kit is made with bright, cheerful colors and is designed to encourage girls to view periods as a normal and positive aspect of femininity, breaking away from the traditional and negative view of menstruation in Shona culture.
The layout
The illustrations, color palette, and tone of voice in the design have been carefully crafted to be easily understood and to evoke an uplifting and positive emotion.
