Menstrual hygiene
Being able to afford and access sanitary pads is a huge challenge for girls and women in the communities in which we work. For some a lack of sanitary pads prevents them from attending school regularly. Many have to improvise and use old rags, which affects their self-confidence and makes them feel ashamed and embarrassed. That’s why E3 and our partners distribute sanitary pads each month, as well as running Girls’ Support Groups, which create a safe place to explore challenges like teenage pregnancy and self-esteem, share God’s word and encourage each other.
In rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, more than 600 girls are supported with sanitary pads, as well as more than 60 refugee girls in Pietermaritzburg and Durban.
In Malawi, Glad Tidings Orphan Centre trained local women to sew sanitary pads for over 300 school girls to reduce absenteeism. More than three-quarters of school girls cannot afford to buy sanitary pads in these communities.
“The project has helped me because before during my periods, I missed school, but now I can go to school every day and stay in class.”
The projects in Malawi also help the local women who are sewing the pads to earn a sustainable living. Mphatso is very happy to have learned a new skill and now she can meet her two children’s basic needs. Her daughter is part of the Word Alive programme and Mphatso is pleased she is being helped and encouraged to stay at school. She plans to use her sewing skills to make clothes at home to boost her income.
“Before the E3 project, it was difficult to get hold of sanitary pads. When I had my period it was hard to concentrate in class because I was constantly checking whether there was a leak and I needed to go out to the toilet. I was worried people would laugh at me. Now I can concentrate well and stay in class.”
