Sewing Sanitary Pads to create Livelihoods Support

Whilst we have been slow to be able to sew and distribute sanitary pads over the last few months. We are happy to report that Ivy is now busy with 30 packs of reusable sanitary pads. The focus had shifted during the midst of the pandemic to sewing reusable facemasks for children and adults that could be distributed throughout our community, especially into the poor areas where people might not have had the funds to buy a facemask for themselves. We sew thousands upon thousands of masks, and thanks to the passion and tireless sewing from Ivy, Christine, and Merlyn we managed to distribute over 5000 face masks. 

We are now back on track with sewing sanitary pads, and thanks to funding from a donor in Germany are even able to build a small sewing room on site at Nourish, so that one of our seamstresses can be permanently based on site. This allows us to have a quicker turnover time, in case material is needed or there is an issue with the machine, it also allows us to be more supportive and work together to improve the sanitary pad packs. It's also a stepping stone for us to be able to broaden the sewing project into other things in future, like perhaps reusable nappies. 

We are excited to have merlyn coming to work from Nourish from the new skill center to bring her sewing to more people and to help us bring sanitary pads to more woman. Another exiciting update is a partnership with a local foundation, who have decided to build a womens empowerment center onsite at Nourish... a beautiful airy clean space where younng women can come together to wash their sanitary pads without any judgement or taboo. This will also be a space for educational talks, womens forums, and sex education. 

We are excited to share the direction things are moving, and look forward to sharing the next update with you. Thank you for your support! 

Despite Covid-19 taking the world by storm, a womans period still comes every month - and feminine hygiene and dignity is still something we should be aware of. 

As many families in rural South Africa struggle with unemployment and the impacts of the lockdown, the poverty is increasing, and the struggle for daily livelihoods and food is very real. 

Now, more than ever, people lack the funds to buy proper feminine sanitary products, such as pads. There is just no money - when every cent has to go to food to keep your family alive. but this doesnt mean young women need to struggle, to be shamed, and to be embarassed for every period... 

Your support for our Sanitary pad project has allowed us to make a difference to a few young women, equipping them with pads that will last them the next few years in a way that is eco friendly and good for their toilet system and the earth, and their budgets! Now they can have their period, and stay healthy, sanitary and clean. We will be doing the hand-outs this coming month now that the Lockdown is easing and movement of people will be allowed a little bit more! 

Whilst many of our seamstresses have taken to sewing much-needed masks, Merlyn one of our beautiful new seamstresses has joined our sewing team, and we are excited to have these woman able to make pads as the project gets more support and funding, exposure and awareness of the need of young women to receive these reusable pads! 

Thank you!