University of Sydney students tackle period poverty in Zambia

From Sydney to Zambia: global connections help deliver menstrual cups

The University of Sydney student team worked together throughout the project to overcome every obstacle. They ran fundraising events, enlisted support from family and friends, and spoke about the cause at churches and schools. They set up a crowdfunding page and used social media to raise awareness.

They raised more than $4000 – not enough to cover their initial goal of 500 cups. Hanxiang, an international student from China, solved the problem by contacting Donna Song, founder of Chinese menstrual cup brand, Natari. Song agreed to supply a thousand cups at a discounted rate and ship them to Zambia’s capital, Lusaka.

Misozi, a Zambian international student at the University of Sydney, liaised with contacts on the ground. Through her father, Zambian Member of Parliament Andrew Lubusha, she sought help and advice from relevant government officials. She enlisted local friends to help the shipment clear customs and, finally, to make the delivery to remote Chipangali – only accessible via unpaved and seasonally flooded roads that courier companies avoid.

“The whole thing ran on goodwill – a bunch of people who were kind and generous,” Misozi said. “It has reminded me of why I want to work in health and shown me it’s possible to make real change – even at this point in our lives, before we have proper careers. It’s given me hope.”