For thousands of girls in rural Zimbabwe, menstruation continues to interrupt their education as many miss lessons because they cannot afford sanitary products.

Some resort to unsafe alternatives, while others stay at home during their menstrual cycle, widening the gap in classroom attendance.

In response to the challenge, Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe has begun its annual nationwide distribution of reusable sanitary pads and undergarments, targeting 1,500 girls in remote schools as part of efforts to reduce period poverty and keep more girls in school.

The programme, being implemented in partnership with Talia Women's Network, began at Murembe High School and Chivese Primary School in Bindura, where 370 packs of reusable sanitary pads and undergarments were distributed.

Beyond providing sanitary products, the initiative also included menstrual hygiene and reproductive health education aimed at helping girls manage their health with confidence while remaining in school.

Stanbic Bank Marketing Specialist for Client Segments, Tendai Rafemoyo, said the programme was designed to remove one of the barriers preventing girls from accessing education.

"Stanbic Bank is fully aware that some girls resort to unorthodox and often harmful methods as substitutes for sanitary ware while others end up not even going to school for lack of these pads. This longstanding gesture from Stanbic Bank guarantees these girls uninterrupted education for at least two years," she said.

Rafemoyo said the initiative forms part of the bank's Corporate Social Investment programme, which focuses on education, health and sanitation, environmental sustainability and sport.

She said partnering with Talia Women's Network has enabled the programme to go beyond donating sanitary products by equipping girls with menstrual hygiene and reproductive health knowledge.

Talia Women's Network founder Saliwe Zakaria said period poverty remains one of the silent barriers preventing girls from reaching their full potential.

"One of our key pillars is Menstrual Health and Hygiene, through which we work to ensure that no girl misses school simply because of her period," she said.

Zakaria said Stanbic Bank has supported the organisation's Menstrual Health and Hygiene programme since 2019, enabling thousands of vulnerable girls to access reusable sanitary products and menstrual health education.

"We are delighted to continually reaffirm our shared commitment to ending period poverty and ensuring that every girl has an opportunity to learn, grow and pursue her dreams without interruption," she said.

Teachers at beneficiary schools said the programme would improve attendance and boost learners' confidence.

Murembe High School Deputy Head Amos Zembere said both the donation and hygiene education would have a lasting impact.

"We say a big thank you to Talia Women's Network for the invaluable reproductive health and hygiene lessons and to Stanbic Bank for the donation of reusable pads. The lessons were of great benefit even to the teachers while the donation is a confidence booster for the girls as they are now guaranteed to always attend lessons," he said.

Stanbic Bank has committed US$15,000 towards this year's programme, which will benefit girls in remote communities across Zimbabwe.

Last year, the bank distributed reusable sanitary pads and undergarments in two phases, reaching schools in Buhera, Murewa, Chipinge, Mashonaland West, Matabeleland and Masvingo.

By combining reusable sanitary products with menstrual health education, the programme seeks to ensure that menstruation no longer forces girls to choose between managing their periods and attending school.