**CHOMUZANGARI WOMEN’S COOPERATIVE(CWC) ANNUAL REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MARCH 2022** ## **TRUSTEES:** Memory Tapfumaneyi Graham Cooper Lettie Chimbi ## **CHARITY NUMBER:** 1168092 ## **REGISTERED OFFICE** 32 Trinity Street Gorseinon Swansea SA4 4EG ## **BANKERS:** CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ We are pleased to present the annual report together with their financial statements for the year ended March 2023. We would like to say thank you to our funders, supporters and partners, and to our volunteers who give so many hours of their time and without whom we would not be able to operate and provide the services that we do. We would also like to say a big thank you to the city and county of Swansea who have supported us throughout our journey so far. ## **BOARD MEMBERS’ REPORT:** Period poverty remains a pressing issue globally, affecting millions of individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities. In this report, we aim to shed light on the extent of period poverty, our efforts in addressing it, and recommendations for further action. According to recent studies, individuals worldwide lack access to menstrual products. Some have missed school, work or other activities due to lack of adequate menstrual supplies. Some had to choose between purchasing menstrual products and other necessities such as food or utilities because of low income. Period poverty perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality by hindering access to education and economic opportunities. Lack of access to menstrual hygiene products can lead to health risks and infections. Stigma surrounding menstruation exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals experiencing period poverty, contributing to social exclusion and shame. Our organisation has been providing free menstrual products to schools, and community centres. Through educational campaigns and workshops, we aim to destigmatize menstruation and raise awareness about period poverty. Period poverty is a complex multifaceted issue that requires collective action and commitment from all sectors of society. By prioritizing menstrual health and advocating for systemic changes, we can work towards a world where menstruation is no longer a barrier to education, health, and dignity. ## **CAMPAIGN:** Period poverty remains a significant issue in Wales, with individuals facing barriers to accessing menstrual products and facing stigma surrounding menstruation. The campaign aims to raise awareness about period poverty, destigmatize menstruation, and advocate for policy changes to ensure access to menstrual products for all individuals in Wales. We have conducted workshops in schools and community centres. In Zimbabwe, addressing period poverty and promoting menstrual health education in schools and universities is crucial for fostering gender equality and ensuring the wellbeing of students. By developing comprehensive curriculum materials, organising workshops and collaborating with local organisations, we aim to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene. Additionally, advocating for policy changes to provide free or subsidized menstrual products in educational institutions will help alleviate the financial burden on students and ensure equitable access to essential resources. Together, we can empower students to manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence. CHOMUZANGARI continues to provide accredited and non-accredited learning opportunities for its beneficiaries. ## **PROJECTS:** The project aims to deploy a team of skilled tailors and a health expert to the CHIRUMANZU Resettlement villages to train 150 plus women and girls how to make reusable cloth pads. Thus, equipping these women to further train others in their area, creating an ongoing cycle of women training each other for years to come. Toilets with showers, flush toilets and washing tubs for Muzondo High School and Orton Drift secondary school were constructed for girls, 250 girls at each school were provided with reusable sanitary pads. Identifying the 150 community members who will take part in the training, including a list of community members with some sewing experience. Create a register with clear roles, determining which women come on which days and to carry out which tasks exactly. ## **WHAT NEEDS WORK** SUPERVISION: Skilled team of supervision. It’s important to have a strong group of women who have the required knowledge to educate the ladies in the communities on all this menstrual health and teach them how to make and take care of the reusable cloth pads. AGENDA: Clear tentative agenda. In order to ensure smooth flow of the training, all tasks for each day need to be clearly stated and followed. Prior research and communication with community leaders is crucial. MATERIALS: All the material needed in order to make the reusable pads ready for use, is needed for the entire project to be successful. ## **PROJECT CO-ORDINATER** LETTIE CHIMBI