Making reusable Pads

Gender socialization: making of reusable menstrual pads

Globally, approximately 52% of the female population is of reproductive age and most of these women and girls menstruate each month for between two to seven days. Despite the fact that menstruation is a normal physiological process, it is not often discussed openly especially in the rural areas. Many young girls receive minimal instruction on what menstruation is and how it can be managed. This experience has been described as frightening, confusing and shame-inducing. Girls are often times isolated from their family and friends for the duration of their periods or considered impure, deeming them untouchable. Additionally, there is an influence of negative cultural perceptions which consider menstruation as a women’s preserve in all contexts and supposed to be kept secret from boys/men.

A study by IRC in 2013 established that menstruation is a key issue that affects girls’ participation in education in Uganda as majority of girls have limited or no access to proper menstrual materials to use especially sanitary pads.

CTPR seeks to improve the academic success of girls and their retention in school through; empowerment of learners with knowledge, skills to manage puberty and menstruation including the art of making reusable sanitary pads and advocating for appropriate facilities and infrastructure for effective management of menstruation in schools.