NGO trains girls to make reusable pads

Theo’s Love Foundation has trained girls from Traditional Authority Chimutu in Lilongwe to make reusable pads.

Speaking on Friday at Khongo Village, the organisation’s founder Chikondi Kwanjana said they are conducting the training to empower the girls so that they do not miss classes when they are menstruating.

She said: “As we are observing the World Menstrual Health Day, we decided to take advantage and train these girls and women how they can make reusable pads.

“Our survey shows that 40 percent of girls in this area miss classes when they are on periods because they cannot afford to buy menstrual hygiene products.”

Kwanjana said they partnered with 10+ Her Period Her  Pride organisation to fight menstrual stigma and menstrual poverty in the area.

One of the girls, Maria Chisamba, commended the organisation for the training.

“Most families are poor and cannot access sanitary pads. As a result, girls miss classes during period,” she said.

Menstrual Hygiene Day is commemorated  on May 28 to promote good menstrual health and hygiene for women and girls.

This year’s commemoration was held under the theme Action and Investment in Menstrual Hygiene and Health.