Sanitary Pads Change Lives
November 4, 2011 No Comments
Women and girls in Somalia are earning a living and helping others access education through a sanitary pad project.
Galkayo Education Centre for Peace and Development, an NGO funded by UNICEF, employs internally displaced women to manufacture the pads, which are distributed in IDP camps.
This not only enables women to earn a living; girls unable to go to school during their periods are now free to continue their education, and women whose education was interrupted because of poverty have a chance to start again.
Most of the materials for the pads are locally sourced, making them cheaper and more sustainable than imported commercial products.
We’re all aware of the publicized effects of internal displacement and poverty. But the everyday difficulties are easily overlooked by those on the outside, and can be critical. The lack of sanitary products can stop women from accessing education and community life, and an additional income can alleviate poverty for women and families.
This project is more than just a temporary fix. In addition to providing a much-needed resource, women are supporting the local economy by using locally produced products, and earning a living. Which is, basically, what we all want.
Contact the author here: miriam@morningquickie.com
