Empowering Mozambican Women: Feminine Hygiene

One of the greatest concern in Mozambique is the fact that many girls discontinue their education due to lack of feminine hygiene resources. Through our interdisciplinary class composed of geography, women's studies and dance, we students are learning about the cultural, socio-political, and demographic aspects of Mozambique. In an attempt to enhance the quality of life among the women and girls who reside in the rural areas in Mozambique we have designed and created washable menstrual pads and fabric bags to be utilized by the girls while they are on their monthly periods. Completing this project has included creating a pattern, finding the appropriate fabric, cutting, and sewing. We will also be creating "wet bags" which are bags to hold used pads so that women and girls can attend school and work without any worry about washing the pads right away or packing them around freely. A secondary part of the project will be to collect underwear so that the women will be able to use the pads that will be given to them.

Furthermore, we are putting together a booklet with information regarding the female reproductive system, menstruation and it's purpose in life; prevention of urinary tract infections; and proper use of the washable menstrual pads.  The menstrual cycle and anatomy sections of the project consist of a packet with pictures and Portuguese translations explaining how the female body and menstrual cycle works. We are hoping it will improve the view on what is considered in some cultures to be "dirty". We chose this project because the girls in Mozambique have the tendency to abandon their education because  they do not have the proper hygiene aids to assist them during their menstrual cycle. As a result, many of them do not return to school. According to the CIA World Factbook, only 43% of women in this African country are literate in comparison to the 71% of males. 

Our goal is to provide the Mozambican girls with information and skills so that having a period will not be an impediment to their education. Additionally, the group members traveling to Mozambique in May will not only be taking a good number of washable napkins, but teaching the girls how to create them. This project has provided us with the great sense of fulfillment because it is our hope to be an impact that can help girls remain in school. As they get a higher level of education they can become pro-active within their communities. 

This project also has a positive environmental impact component because it will help decrease the amount of waste produced due to the fact that cloth pads typically last five years and also cut down on factory pollution because they can be made locally and simply without using harmful chemicals or traditional factory methods. Through this opportunity we have learned collaboration skills and the importance of humanitarian work which will enhance our lives professionally and personally. 

Example of the washable pads we're creating, along with the wet bag.