The Reusable Pad Giving Girls a Chance to Learn

For Juliet, 12, a learner from Phalombe District, the onset of menstruation brought challenges that often stood between her and her education.

Like many adolescent girls in rural communities, Juliet comes from a family that struggles financially. Buying disposable sanitary pads, which cost about K2,000 ($1.15) per packet, was often beyond her means.

"It was not easy to find  K2,000 to buy disposable sanitary pads," says Juliet.

When sanitary pads were unavailable, Juliet and other girls resorted to using pieces of cloth and wrappers, a situation that left them feeling uncomfortable and insecure.

"At times I could not come to school during my menstrual period because I was afraid of staining my clothes," says Juliet

Today, however, Juliet's story has changed. Thanks to the introduction of reusable sanitary pads at her school, she and many other girls are attending classes with confidence.

"The reusable pads are good and comfortable. They are really helping us," says Juliet.

Behind this transformation is a dedicated Mother Group at the school, led by teacher and matron Loyce Makumba. The group provides guidance and support to adolescent girls on issues affecting their daily lives.

"We advise girls on different issues, including adolescence and its changes, stress management, and we also listen to their challenges," says Makumba.

The Mother Group began producing reusable sanitary pads after receiving a sewing machine from World Vision through its Thundu Area Programme.

"So far, we have distributed reusable sanitary pads to 53 girls. Initially, each girl received two pads, but now they receive three," says Makumba.

According to Makumba, the initiative has already started yielding positive results. The school has recorded a reduction in absenteeism among girls while hygiene and sanitation practices have also improved.

Beyond supporting learners at Juliet’s school, the Mother Group is sharing its skills with neighbouring schools by training others on how to make reusable sanitary pads.

"The skills we have gained will remain with us even if World Vision phases out its project. We will continue producing the pads and supporting girls," says Makumba

Through the Thundu Area Programme, World Vision Malawi is helping to remove barriers that have long kept girls out of school. For young girls like Juliet, an easy access to reusable sanitary pads has brought a quiet but meaningful change to her school life.