Help Keep Them in School
Millions of girls in Sub-Saharan Africa are disempowered by the simple biological process of menstruation. Affordable and hygienic sanitary protection is not available to girls in many areas. They resort to the use of unhygienic rags and cloths which puts them at the risk of infections. Many poorer girls either skip school when they have their periods or simply drop out completely.
A girl absent from school due to menstruation for four days of every 28 day cycle loses 13 learning days, the equivalent to two weeks of learning, every school term. A survey of menstruating girls in Uganda found that “the biggest numbers of school dropouts are girls because of inconveniences during their menstrual periods.”
Educated girls are more likely to become empowered women; they are more likely to take control of their lives, have economic security, and raise fewer and healthier children who will in turn be more likely to be educated themselves.
A solution? Reusable sanitary pads. Reusable sanitary pads are a sustainable resource, allowing the girls to wash and reuse them rather than having to buy disposable pads every month. In addition, they are comparatively inexpensive and environmentally friendly. The social benefit of the implementation of this concept can greatly mitigate the disadvantages and challenges many disempowered girls endure during their process of maturing.
The Pads For Schoolgirls Project
Humanity Healing International is implementing a program to address this issue. The first location of the Pads for Schoolgirls Project will be based at Future Victory School. It will consist of a multifaceted five-step approach to address both immediate needs as well as long-term needs. To learn more, please read: Pads for Schoolgirls
How YOU can Participate
Help empower African girls by participating with the Pads For Schoolgirls Project. Please consider:
- Donate. Donating $20 will supply a girl with a reusable sanitary pad kit. This can be conveniently done by using the Donation Box in the right had column.
- Sign the Petition. Help shift the mindset of the Ugandan Parliament to include funding for feminine hygiene projects for economically disadvantaged to keep them in school. To add your voice, click Sign the Petition.
- Spread the Word. Help get the message out by using your social media networks like Twitter and Facebook. Let your friends know that you are passionate about helping others. For examples, click Spread the Word.
- Make Pad Kits. Give of your time and energy by watching the video and downloading the eBook with the Bill of Materials and patterns to make the reusable sanitary pad kits yourself. Ship them to Humanity Healing International and we will deliver your Labor of Love to a schoolgirl in need. To learn more, visit: Pad Kit Information
