Project Description

Cases of school drop-out among girls were increasing at an alarming rate at Sosola Primary school in Balaka district. This is mainly due to lack of knowledge on Menstrual Hygiene Management amongst girls. As such, some of the girls were forced to use rags, cotton and other unhygienic methods, which expose them to infection and diseases. Other girls missed classes because they could afford sanitary towels due to poverty. Some girls pretended to be sick when they were undergoing menses so that they could not go to school. They could stay at home the whole week during menstruation and when they do that over few months, they dropped out from school because of losing interest or because of disappointing study results, and most of them get married. These dropout girls become vulnerable to gender-based violence as they get married to much older men, who dominate and are sole decision makers in the family or relationship. 

The project aimed at reducing school dropout rate and increasing classroom performance among girls at Sosola Primary School by distributing reusable Menstrual pads for free to poor girls. The project donated four sewing machines and locally available sewing materials.  8 mother group (MGs) members of Sosola Primary school were trained in making reusable menstrual pads who later on made over 1000 pads 

552 reusable menstrual pads were distributed to 276 girls at the school. Each girl received 2 pads. The remaining pads were sold for project sustainability. Further, the girls were also equipped with knowledge in menstruation and hygiene management.  

Project Results

• Improved classroom performance among girls
• Reduced school absenteeism among girls
• Reduced school dropout rate among girls