By Jones Gadama
In a heartwarming display of initiative and determination, two primary school girls in Chiradzulu are leading efforts to improve menstrual hygiene and reduce school absenteeism among their peers.
Caroline Chikakuda and Trinity Makwangwala, both students at Chiradzulu Primary School, have taken it upon themselves to teach fellow learners how to make reusable sanitary pads.
The two girls acquired their sewing skills through Young Women Rise, an organization that has been supporting girls in the district with menstrual hygiene management. Speaking to MBC Digital, Chikakuda and Makwangwala explained that Young Women Rise had provided them with free reusable sanitary pads when they faced challenges managing their periods, particularly while at school.
The initiative, which began in 2020, was sparked by a survey that showed most girls in Chiradzulu miss school during menstruation due to a lack of sanitary pads and proper changing facilities.
According to Linnes Chamadenga, Programmes Manager at Young Women Rise, the organization received funding from Peartree Development Fund to build changing rooms in schools and distribute reusable sanitary pads.
“With 3,000 British Pounds from Peartree Development Fund, we built five changing rooms in five schools across Traditional Authorities Ntchema, Sandrack, and distributed over 6,000 reusable sanitary pads and 7,000 undergarments, thanks to Little Dresses for Africa,” Chamadenga said.
The impact of this initiative has been significant. Girls in Chiradzulu are now able to manage their menstruation with dignity, thanks to the reusable sanitary pads and changing rooms.
Moreover, the skills acquired through Young Women Rise have empowered girls to make their own reusable pads, promoting sustainability and self-sufficiency.
Chamadenga added that the organization continues to empower girls with skills such as sewing reusable pads and basic self-defense techniques to combat Gender-Based Violence.
This holistic approach to supporting girls is crucial in ensuring that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the challenges of adolescence.
The story of Chikakuda and Makwangwala is a testament to the potential of young people to drive positive change in their communities. By sharing their skills and knowledge with their peers, they are helping to break down the stigma surrounding menstruation and promoting a culture of openness and support.
As the initiative continues to grow and expand, it is likely to have a lasting impact on the lives of girls in Chiradzulu.
By providing them with the skills and resources they need to manage their menstruation with dignity, Young Women Rise is helping to promote girls’ education and empowerment.
The initiative led by Chikakuda and Makwangwala is a shining example of the power of community-driven initiatives to drive positive change.
As the organization continues to support girls in Chiradzulu, it is likely that the impact of this initiative will be felt for years to come.
The story of these two girls serves as a reminder that even the smallest actions can have a significant impact when it comes to promoting girls’ education and empowerment.
By providing girls with the skills and resources they need to succeed, we can help to create a brighter future for generations to come.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of menstrual hygiene management, initiatives like the one led by Young Women Rise offer a beacon of hope.
By empowering girls with the knowledge and skills they need to manage their menstruation with dignity, we can help to promote girls’ education and empowerment, and create a more equitable and just society for all.
