RESCUWS

RESCUWS
(Run dedicated to Emelina Sipumise Unifying Women in Communities through Sustainability)

RESCUWS is dedicated to and named in honor of Emelina Sipumise.

Emely, (as she was fondly known), was a cherished and valuable member of Malilangwe Trust. She was renowned for her friendly banter, larger-than-life smile, and contagious happiness. She was a hard worker, who was diligent and always eager to learn new things. Emely had a passion for people, and she was an example and source of encouragement to those around her to improve their lives in whichever way they could. Emely assisted women with counseling and provided moral support and advice to those who needed it – from relationships to health issues.

Menstrual health is a subject that is typically taboo in African cultures, but Emely spoke humbly about her life as a young woman who grew up in a rural community. She gave us insight into the difficulties and shame that girls face every month – absence from school; menstrual products unavailable in most rural communities; unable to afford menstrual products if they are available; family dictates that money cannot be spent on menstrual products because other expenses take priority. Emely wanted to make a difference, she was an advocate for the growth and success of young women. Emely passed away in December 2021 from a lung disease. However, we will keep her flag flying with RESCUWS (Run dedicated to Emelina Sipumise Unifying Women in Communities through Sustainability).

Funds raised will go towards buying local fabric, which will be manufactured into reusable sanitary pads by Zimbabwean women. A pack of 5 reusable sanitary pads will be donated to the women in the communities to assist them as well as impart an eco-friendly initiative. Training and roll out of the products will be done by Malilangwe through women in the communities, who will be empowered with messages of hope to give girls a voice. It is Malilangwe’s hope to have a Zimbabwean woman ambassador, who will assist Malilangwe in giving this project a role model, who will motivate the young women in the communities to have goals and strive for bright futures. A roadshow through the high schools in the neighboring communities will highlight these messages, and help drive the message home to these young women.

$10,000

pledged by Oak Foundation US Trustee

$20,000
in Fund Matching

$10,000

fund matched by Oak Foundation London Trustee

Chloe Payne is a Zimbabwean woman dedicated to conservation, who is completing a BSc (Hons) Wildlife Biology degree in Ireland. During a work placement at The Malilangwe Trust, Chloe’s meaningful experiences gave her knowledge and insight for her future as an ecologist. She worked with a committed team of people, some of whom are employed from the neighboring communities. As she got to know the people, she spoke to them about issues that are close to their hearts and minds.

Sustainable living is part of the ethos of Malilangwe, and during conversations, Chloe was moved to learn that girls in the rural regions of Zimbabwe do not have access to, nor can they afford proper sanitary wear. As a result, most girls living in local communities end up using old clothes instead, which they cut up, wash and re-use the following month.

In an effort to raise awareness and donations to pay for reusable sanitary wear for the girls in these rural communities, Chloe has committed to run 150km over 10 days through the schools and villages which surround the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve.

Follow Chloe’s training journey and run, as well as the women behind the scenes – from those who make up the reusable pads to those who will benefit from them.