Tackling Period Poverty in Malawi: A Collaborative Effort Empowering Women and Girls

Period poverty remains a critical challenge in Malawi, especially for women and girls in rural areas. The inability to access essential menstrual products, combined with limited education and societal stigma, has profound implications for health, education, and economic opportunities. However, through dedicated initiatives, organizations are making strides to address this pressing issue.

The Issue at Hand

Limited Access to Menstrual Products: In Malawi, many women and girls cannot afford basic sanitary products like pads or tampons. Instead, they often resort to unsafe alternatives such as rags or leaves, which can lead to serious health complications, including infections.

Lack of Education and Awareness: Education on menstrual health is severely lacking. Many girls receive no information about menstruation before their first period, leading to confusion and fear. Cultural taboos and stigma surrounding menstruation only make matters worse, fostering silence and secrecy.

Impact on Education: The absence of adequate menstrual products and the stigma attached to menstruation significantly affect girls' education. Many miss school during their periods, leading to poor academic performance and, in some cases, dropping out altogether, what often leads to child marriages. The situation is especially dire in rural areas, where resources are even scarcer.

Economic Consequences: The economic impact of period poverty cannot be overlooked. Women who struggle to manage their periods effectively are less likely to participate in the workforce or engage in community activities, reinforcing cycles of poverty.

Government and NGO Efforts: While the government and NGOs are working to address period poverty by distributing free sanitary products and providing menstrual health education, these efforts often fall short due to the overwhelming need. Inadequate infrastructure, such as the lack of clean water and sanitation facilities, particularly in schools, exacerbates the problem.

Gender Inequality: Period poverty is a symptom of broader gender inequality in Malawi. The lack of support for menstrual health both reflects and reinforces the marginalization of women and girls. Addressing this issue requires not only improving access to menstrual products but also challenging the cultural norms and systemic inequalities that perpetuate it.

The Collaborative Response

In March and April 2024, YORGHAS Foundation in partnership with Maja Kotala & Sewing Together launched a project aimed at combating period poverty and empowering women in Malawi. This project made a significant impact, particularly in the cities of Mzuzu and Lilongwe.

Over 200 women and girls participated in workshops focused on reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, and sewing reusable menstrual pads by hand and machine. The participants also had an opportunity to learn the basic principles of running a small business.

The introduction of two sewing machines, generously donated by Maja Kotala and her supporters, marked a significant step forward. These machines, now installed in the YORGHAS Foundation's Lilongwe office, have become central to a new training program that is equipping women with valuable sewing skills, fostering economic independence and contributing to professional development, what allows these women to support their families and break free from the cycle of poverty.

The Road Ahead

Together, we can make significant progress in the fight against period poverty in Malawi. By offering education and vocational training, we are empowering women, fostering economic independence, and challenging the systemic inequalities that perpetuate period poverty.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Maja Kotala, her Victoria Rally's Team, our local partners Apause Youth and Zico Forward, and all donors who made this project possible - your dedication and support have been instrumental in its success.

The fight against period poverty in Malawi is far from over, but with continued collaboration and commitment, we can create lasting change. Join us in this vital work and help empower the women and girls of Malawi!

End Period Poverty in Rural Schools in Malawi