With your support, GEWEC will establish a social enterprise for producing reusable pads from local raw materials as sisal and banana fibre. These pads will be distributed to needy girls in Baringo County; hence boosting school attendance, retention and self-confidence. Needy women in rural areas will also have access to the reusable pad; hence, help boost menstruation hygiene among rural women who cannot afford expensive pads. The women involved in sewing the pads will also earn a living from it
A shocking story about young girls in Baringo county who use chicken feathers, goat skin, soil and even leaves during their periods due to lack of options can be viewed here, www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hn822TrKXo). A girl in primary school between grades 6 and 8 (three years) loses 18 learning weeks out of 108 weeks. Within the four years of high school a girl can lose 156 learning days equivalent to almost 24 weeks out of 144 weeks of learning. Kenyan government is yet to provide free pad.
Our project will produce reusable pads from natural raw materials (non-chemical) that benefit to human health while ensuring affordable price for low-income people. GEWEC will work with schools and women organizations to mobilize women and girls and educate them on puberty education, menstrual hygiene and motivate them to stay in school. By working with women who sew the pads, these women will earn a living. Poor women using reusable pads will also be able to participate in economic activities.
Reduced number of girls who miss school due to their menses in Baringo County. Leads to empowering girls to take control of their bodies and initiating broader dialogue on menstruation hygiene Women earning a living will improve their living standards. Establish a new value chain based on local raw materials and targeting a mostly untapped market with affordable products. Reduced environmental impact of importing raw materials by sourcing locally available materials, especially banana fibers.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
