My name is Florence Kayungwa I was born in 2001 in a small village in rural areas of Hurungwe. I lost both parents at the age of six and I was raised by my grandmother. I am the first person both in my maternal and paternal families to go to Universities being funded by Tererai Trent and International. I am fighting period poverty in rural areas of Zimbabwe where two in every five girls miss five days or more of school per month due to (shortage of feminine products to take care of their periods). This is motivated by my personal experience I suffered period poverty and shame so I am now fighting it. I recently won the global non profit of the year impact (bronze) courtesy of women changing the world, the awards presented by the Dutchess of York Sarah Ferguson and Zimbabwe renowned humanitarian and Oprah Winfrey all time favorite guest Dr Tererai Trent. I also won philanthropist of the year in Zimbabwe courtesy of MegaFest Holdings. I am the co author of women making a difference, Keynote speaker, Gender and climate news reporter at NRTV (Channel 288 on DSTV).
"I was searching for a community where I can be understood and feel a sense of belonging. For the first time in my whole life I understood that other people didn’t agree with the life I imagined for myself. They didn’t like the idea of an education advocate who happens to be a girl. Even when you are strong, even if you are committed to your goal, its hard not to second guess yourself or take on guilt when its coming to you from every angle. “I was like a piece of glass that gets thrown into the ocean, other peoples opinion became my waves, their judgments the sand I was tossed against over and over. i found a my home and my happy place when I joined women changing the world community."
When did you start your work?
I started my work fall 2022 when I was approaching my final year at university after remembering my mentors words “what breaks your heart, and what are you doing about it?” I reflected on my life and I found out that period poverty and shame is the worst thing that have ever happened to me, I decided to transform pain into opportunities for school going age girls so that no one has to choose between education and her periods.
What has been the most challenging thing about starting your work/business?
In my community you cant speak freely about mensuration due to certain barriers and stereotypes associated with menstruation, so for me to talk about it was so challenging. I faced resistance from the community even the girls who are affected by period poverty were not ready to share or speak up. Also lake of funding, yes I have the idea and passion but funding is a major setback to an extent that sometimes I can approach people one by one asking for both reusable and disposable pads, fabric for sewing and machines.
What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a work/business?
All I can say is just do it what are you tripping for, we can all change the world together. Lets keep more girls in classroom because educated girls are more likely to make informed decisions. I cant do it alone or with the few menstrual health advocate across the globe. Let us raise the banner high so as to end period poverty, shame and stigma.
Why did you enter the Women Changing the World Awards?
I was searching for a community where I can be understood and feel a sense of belonging. For the first time in my whole life I understood that other people didn’t agree with the life I imagined for myself. They didn’t like the idea of an education advocate who happens to be a girl. Even when you are strong, even if you are committed to your goal, its hard not to second guess yourself or take on guilt when its coming to you from every angle. “I was like a piece of glass that gets thrown into the ocean, other peoples opinion became my waves, their judgments the sand I was tossed against over and over. i found a my home and my happy place when I joined women changing the world community.
What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
The room was full of strangers, what fascinated me the most was that time when my name was called everyone screamed, clapping their hands for me, I felt and enjoyed the spirit of sisterhood I am very certain that you will not find that kind of love in boardrooms. I also loved the connections we created, I get to reflect on my journey and also the lessons we learnt.
What surprised you most about the awards?
Meeting the Dutchess of York was a huge surprise for me because even in my wildest imagination I have never dreamt about it.
How did the awards help you in your work/business?
I am now relevant whenever I say I am a global award winner people always pay attention even if its an email stakeholders always want to hear more about my work and how am I doing it. So for me it’s a huge achievement for a lifetime.
What advice would you give to other women thinking about entering the awards?
If you are looking for a community of sisters who are ready to support your vision join us in this sisterhood there is no competition, only collaborations and the spirit of Ubuntu (you are because we are).
What’s happening next in your work/business?
Expanding to other provinces in Zimbabwe so that we don’t leave no one and no place behind
What are your big plans for the future?
My biggest vision is to make sure that no one has to choose between education and her periods. I want every girl in my country to be able to make her own reusable pads and switch to that eco-friendly way of handling her periods. I want everyone to remember my name when they have their periods or when they think about menstruation. The last thing is to break all the barriers and stereotypes associated with mensturation.
How can we connect with you?
https://www.facebook.com/florence.kayungwa/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/florence-kayungwa-441470263/
Https://www.instagram.com/florencekayungwa/
Nominations are open now for the 2025 Women Changing The World Awards
