Men working at sewing machines may seem like an unconventional picture in some parts of the world — even more so when you realize they are sewing reusable feminine hygiene products! But for several men in Mulatsi, Uganda, this is a regular practice that is strengthening their community, generating income and empowering their daughters.

Period poverty refers to the lack of access to hygiene products for girls living in poverty — something that was an immense struggle for women and girls in Mulatsi.

Sanitary pads cost approximately $1 for a package of seven, a burdensome price for families living in extreme poverty. As a result, women were forced to improvise. “One woman told me she uses newspapers; another, rugs; another, cloth from old blankets; and still another said they cut off part of an old mattress,” says Jacky, the Director of the Compassion-assisted child development center at Mulatsi Church of Uganda.

Period poverty was the biggest problem raised by women during a community meeting organized by the church.

The men in the community were largely ignorant to the need and did not see it as their responsibility to provide pads for their wives or daughters. Milton, one of the fathers in the community, confesses that he didn’t expect to have such conversations with his daughter.

“I thought it was not proper for a girl to talk to me about sanitary pads,” says Milton.

He would tell his daughters to have such conversations with their mother. Like most of the men in the community, Milton did not give his wife money to buy pads — the family could not afford it.

Teen Pregnancy and Period Poverty

Jacky learned that period poverty was causing other significant problems like teenage pregnancy and school dropouts.

“Three of my daughters got pregnant,” says Aida, the mother of a Compassion child.

Aida had discovered, to her dismay, that her daughters were trading sex for pads. This practice was not uncommon for girls in the community.

“My fourth daughter grew up knowing God and would open up to me,” she says. “When she began her periods, she told me, and I got her an old cotton cloth and folded it for her. I had several she would wash and keep.”

Two girls walk together on a dirt path on the way to school. Unfortunately, period poverty had led some girls to drop out of school.

Some of the girls opted out of school because of how difficult it was to manage their cycle every month. The World Bank estimates that across sub-Saharan Africa, one in 10 girls misses school during their menstrual cycle. And many drop out of school altogether. One student, Carol, will never forget the day her cloth pad fell out in front of her classmates while at school. She almost stopped attending school due to the embarrassment.

“The other students laughed. I was so ashamed. I ran home and got another pad. I didn’t go to school for two days. I was scared. My fellow students didn’t respect me,” says Carol.

The United Nations reports that globally, stigma, taboos and misinformation surrounding menstruation causes girls to miss educational and occupational opportunities. And that they’re more vulnerable to child marriage, domestic violence, STIs, menstrual disorders and human rights abuses.

Working Toward a Solution Together

When the staff at Mulatsi Church of Uganda learned of all the struggles women and girls were going through, they were moved to intervene. Initially, they bought and distributed pads to Compassion girls. However, this was not sustainable and proved expensive.

Then a group of Compassion church partners, of which Mulatsi Church of Uganda is part, applied for funding for menstrual hygiene interventions through our Complementary Inventions. With the funds they received, the churches were able to educate their communities on the importance of menstrual hygiene — and teach their communities how to make reusable sanitary pads. One set of seven reusable pads costs $1.50 to make and will last an entire year.

Community members make reusable sanitary pads together.

The center staff first learned how to make the reusable pads, and then conducted training for community members — both women and men. They not only trained Compassion youths and their parents, but also students at three local schools, and other local leaders, who were then able to teach others in the community. All churches in the group received training, and everyone who received training was asked to train others in turn.

The project also specifically addressed men’s attitude toward menstruation and feminine hygiene. While the project was led by women, men followed closely as unexpected — but welcomed — allies.

Milton says, “After the training, I realized that as a father I should learn how to make these sanitary pads.”

Financial Security Through Sanitary Pads

Making reusable pads has also become a source of income generation for families.

“It has also helped me because now I am able to make them and sell them and get money to do other things,” says Milton.

Milton poses with his family.

At first, other men demeaned Milton when they saw him making and selling sanitary pads.

“In the beginning, it was shameful before the men in the community. But I found it useful. I have now educated other men. I think [their attitude] stemmed from their background,” says Milton.

Carol also reflects on the benefits of the intervention.

“My mom now sells sanitary pads and was able to buy us sandals — before, we were walking barefoot,” she shares. “We know God is working for us. The church has brought us knowledge and we are benefiting a lot.”

Through this intervention, 48 churches are educating 4,800 adolescent girls and boys in menstrual hygiene, along with their caregivers. Approximately 1,440 adolescent girls will be given supplies and trained in making sanitary pads, along with their caregivers.

In Compassion’s holistic child development program, we get to see girls grow into all God intends for them — physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually — as they are known, loved and protected by their local church.

Photos and story by Caroline Mwinemwesigwa, words by Alyssa Esparaz

This blog first appeared on the Compassion Canada Blog