Menstrual Hygiene

Menstrual Hygiene My last big project for my service was a day long program facilitated by myself and another volunteer and a woman from a USAID project called SPLASH, which focuses on hygiene. She specifically taught about menstrual hygiene in schools. I had written the grant and got it approved. Everything was in line for a great day of learning about reproductive organs, traditional beliefs about menstruation, common practices, and best practices. Men would participate to learn about supporting menstrual hygiene and reduction of stigma. We would end the day with each of the female participants learning how to make reusable pads out of appropriate materials, and how to care for them. Unfortunately I was called home because my Dad became terminally ill and I was unable to complete this project. I hope the volunteer who replaces me has an interest in this subject so that I can send the materials and curriculum. Menstrual hygiene keeps young women out of schools, approximately 5 days a month which is about 60 days a year, that’s enough to fall behind and drop out. Often times they use old pieces of blankets, mattress, unsanitary cloth, cotton (think cotton balls), two pairs of underwear. Some girls lack even these resources and are forced to sit in the sand in a skirt. Some of the pad designs that we could make have strings similar to a bikini so that the women can tie them on, in case they don’t have panties. If anyone else is interested in holding similar programs I would be happy to chat, I’m a bit heartbroken I wasn’t able to provide this training for my own community, and would love to help other people to do so.