A FEMALE and youth-led non-profit and non-political organisation, Kunashe Foundation, today stages for free Periodically Correct, a play on period poverty at the Jason Mphepo Little Theatre in Eastlea, Harare.
The play written by Nokuthula Chari and directed by Jasen Mphepo features local radio personality Rebecca “Becky K” Muchenje who is also a brand ambassador for Kunashe Foundation.
In a statement, the foundation’s executive director Ratidzo Njagu said the play seeks to put the spotlight on the plight of the girl child regarding menstrual health and hygiene issues.
She was confident that the play would help raise public awareness on the issue of period poverty.
“This play is the intersection between media and women’s health. We are working towards ensuring the girl child is heard and supported,” she said.
Njagu said to date their foundation has trained communities across Zimbabwe on essential topics of menstrual health and hygiene.
“This education is a vital part of ending period poverty, ensuring girls have all they need to menstruate with dignity and safeguarding their future. Periodically Correct presents an opportunity for us to reach more communities as we seek to leave no one behind, she noted.
Becky K said she was thrilled to be part of a production that would impact the lives of women and girls across Zimbabwe.
- Japan brings cheer to Gokwe
- R. Kelly sentenced to 30 years in sex trafficking case
- Commodity price boom buoys GB
- 9 000 farmer field schools on cards
Keep Reading
“When we started the journey with Kunashe Foundation in April, Chari (the writer) and I were so overwhelmed with the work they are doing. Chari being a writer and thespian, came up with the idea of telling a story over the stage and little did I know what was in store for me,” she explained.
“When I saw the script, I was not only moved me, but it further illuminated the plight that period poverty truly is. This is just the beginning, I am positively excited with the impact the production will have on the lives of women and girls across Zimbabwe.”
Chari said Periodically Correct, derived from politically correct, was an epiphany, a light bulb moment that was ignited by being at Kunashe Foundation.
She was optimistic that the play would be effective in highlighting the various forms of period poverty, which included lack of money, lack of support and poor education, among many other forms.
“Being a woman, it was easy to connect to the character as we have in one form or the other had a “sanele” moment. If we can highlight any one of the forms of period poverty, be it in lack of funds, support, or education and move people to action, we will be happy,” she said.
The play will be co-produced by Tendai Sithole, Patience Mandizvidza and Tristan Banda, producers of Live Now Incorporated.
Njagu said Kunashe Foundation was formed to support young people and women of childbearing age aged 15 to 34 to have access to reliable, easy-to-understand information, key skills, and relevant platforms for holistic development that they co-create.
The foundation’s goal is to advance the socio-economic inclusion and wellbeing of women and young people.
