Private Schools Employees Union of Malawi (Pseum) has trained 45 girls from six schools in Rumphi District in sewing reusable pads.

Speaking at Phwezi during the opening of a pilot phase of increasing use of sanitary pads among girls in private schools, Psuem general secretary Falison Lemani said at least 40 percent of the girls lack sanitary pads.

He dispelled misconceptions that learners in private schools do not need such help.

Girls learning to sew pads

Said Lemani: “Parents are still struggling and we decided to bring this initiative because they still have problems to buy the disposable pads.

“These pads are sustainable and environmental friendly because they can be used for two years”.

The project is supported by UK-based Steve Sinnott Foundation.

On her part Steve Sinnott Foundation coordinator, Marie Antonette Corr who is also secretary general of the Gambia Teachers Union, said the problem of sanitary pads is worldwide.

“It is a very big problem, because a lot of times girls stay out of school when they are in their menses and being absent from school causes a lot of stress and disadvantage because the girls will be in class, but girls will be out,” she said.

Angel Kaunda, a Standard Eight pupil at Chimusi Private Primary School hailed the initiative.

“Some disposable pads are sold at K700 each and our parents cannot afford to give us money, so it’s simple for us to be trained in making these pads” she said.

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