AGYW in Schools and Communities in Boyo Acquire Skills in the Production of Reusable Sanitary Pads

 Boyo, March 14, 2025 – In a significant step toward promoting menstrual health and economic empowerment, 40 Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) from various schools and communities in Boyo Division participated in an intensive training on the production of reusable sanitary pads. The workshop which held at the Women's Empowerment Center Fundong, provided participants with practical skills to manage their periods in a more sustainable and dignified manner.

The training brought together AGYW from CKCHS Fundong, St. Jude's College Fundong, GBHS Fundong, GTHS Fundong, GCA Wumbong, and the communities of Belo, Fujua, and Tinifoinbi. These young women, many of whom face challenges in accessing sanitary products, were equipped with hands-on skills to create reusable pads using locally available materials.

 Designed to be youth-friendly, the session allowed participants to learn in an interactive and engaging manner. At the start, they outlined their expectations and objectives, fostering a sense of ownership over the learning process. The training was highly practical, with live demonstrations on cutting, stitching, and assembling reusable pads. Participants worked with affordable local materials such as fabric scraps, absorbent liners, and basic sewing tools, including hand sewing machines, needles, threads, pencils, rulers, clips, and scissors.

In addition to learning the step-by-step production process, the participants were educated on the advantages and disadvantages of reusable sanitary pads and how to maintain and dispose of them properly. This knowledge will help them make informed choices about menstrual hygiene while also addressing the financial burden of buying disposable pads each month.

For many of the participants, this training was more than just a skill-building sessionit was an opportunity to create positive change in their schools and communities.

Young Delphine, a club coordinator at St. Jude’s College Fundong, emphasized the importance of the training, saying:

 

  "I am happy to have taken part in this training with my students. This skill will help more girls in my school manage their menstruation properly, beating the challenge of affording pads monthly. My students and I, who have been trained today, will organize a step-down training in our MHM club to reach more girls."

 

For Salamatu Abdul, a young Muslim girl from Fundong, the training has sparked entrepreneurial ambitions. She shared her excitement, stating:

 

"I feel lucky to have been part of this training. It will reduce my financial burden of buying pads every month, and I am thinking of starting a small business making reusable pads. This way, I can earn an income while also helping other vulnerable girls in my community."

 This initiative is a crucial step in promoting Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) among young girls in Boyo Division. By equipping them with practical skills, the training not only empowers them to take charge of their menstrual health but also fosters a culture of sustainability and self-reliance.

As more trained participants like Delphine and Salamatu share their knowledge with peers, the ripple effect of this program is expected to extend beyond the training hall, impacting schools, homes, and communities across Boyo.

  

Author: Ngwayi Tangiri Marcel