Imagine if you lived in a country where something as basic and essential as a packet of sanitary towels cost more than two weeks wages. Imagine if you had to resort to using rags and newspaper as your only solution.

Well this is the situation that millions of women and girls in Zimbabwe are facing.

Huge rises in inflation have meant that an average packet of sanitary towels costs more than 50% of the average monthly wage for women in Zimbabwe and they simply can't afford to.

This situation is not only embarrassing for any woman but also leads to serious health problems.

Because these women cannot afford to use ordinary sanitary products they are forced to substitute safe sanitary protection with rags or newspaper which can lead to terrible infections. Many of those who have contracted infections have gone on to suffer domestic abuse as husbands assume their infections have been sexually transmitted.

To help alleviate this shocking situation, Bodyform is joining forces with ACTSA (Action for Southern Africa) to support its ‘Dignity! Period.’ campaign to raise vital funds as well as bringing the severe situation to the public’s attention.

Bodyform will be donating funds for a quarter of a million packs of sanitary towels to be produced and donated in Zimbabwe for the women in need.

Actress Emma Thompson, who is backing the ‘Dignity! Period.’ campaign says: "I was very moved when I heard about the desperate situation that women in Zimbabwe are currently facing and am therefore proud to be supporting Bodyform and ACTSA's partnership to raise vital funds and awareness for Dignity! Period.

“It should be a woman's most basic human right to be able to have safe and affordable sanitary protection. It is essential that people support this campaign and help restore the dignity of the women of Zimbabwe."

Other celebrities backing ACTSA’s ‘Dignity!Period.’ campaign include Niamh Cusack, Zoë Wanamaker, Anna Chancellor and Jo Brand.

You can help by looking out for special packs of Bodyform Ultra towels this summer. There are also charity wristbands for sale and details of how to get involved in fundraising events on the Bodyform website.

Caz Moss

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