My Age Zimbabwe, in partnership with BHASO, recently conducted a film screening in Chamasi to explore the interconnectedness of climate change and sexual and reproductive health (SRHR). The session centered around the short film “Garden,” a component of the Climate Change Community Voices initiative. This film adeptly offers a poignant lens through which to examine pressing local issues.
“Garden” presents the narratives of Anesuishe and Definite, vividly illustrating the detrimental effects of erratic rainfall patterns on agricultural practices and the consequential impact of water scarcity on menstrual health.
The screening catalyzed open dialogue, revealing significant challenges faced by the community. Declining crop yields, pervasive food insecurity, limited access to land for young people, and increased vulnerabilities for girls emerged as central concerns. Participants highlighted the issue of school absenteeism among girls due to period poverty and their subsequent exposure to risks such as early marriage and substance abuse.
Despite these challenges, the session also illuminated remarkable resilience and innovation within the community. The establishment of seed banks, water conservation systems, and community gardens utilizing organic manure and indigenous knowledge exemplifies a proactive approach to climate adaptation.
Youth-led initiatives, including small-scale poultry projects and the cultivation of drought-resistant crops, were lauded as practical strategies to mitigate the impact of climate shocks. While expressing pride in these achievements, attendees also voiced frustrations regarding persistent systemic obstacles, including limited resources and inadequate support structures.
The screening culminated in the identification of concrete action points aimed at fostering sustainable solutions. These included scaling up existing seed banks, providing training to young girls in the production of reusable sanitary pads to combat school absenteeism, and equipping youth with entrepreneurial skills through soap and petroleum jelly production. Participants underscored the critical need for mentorship programs, the creation of safe spaces for girls, and enhanced multi-stakeholder engagement, involving parents, teachers, traditional leaders, and local authorities, to amplify the impact of community-led initiatives.
The session yielded tangible outcomes, including the development of actionable strategies for livelihood diversification, climate-smart agriculture, and effective menstrual health management. Notably, participants demonstrated an 11% increase in knowledge, rising from 48.6% pre-screening to 59.6% post-screening.
This significant increase underscores the effectiveness of participatory and relatable engagement methods in fostering understanding and driving positive change within the community. The Chamasi film screening serves as a compelling example of how youth-led initiatives can spark critical conversations and pave the way for sustainable solutions in the face of climate change and SRHR challenges.
