Period supplies in Malawi

My name is Isabel Murray, and I am currently working on a women's aid project in Malawi.

The programme is called project BRAVE, standing for "be respectful and value evryone." Here we work with young girls and boys, educating them on their bodies. While also explaining how they should work with opposite sexes to create a more equal and fair community.

The project runs over 12 weeks and at the end of the programme we give the boys a bracelets, soap and new underwear. And we provide girls with knickers, soap and a sanitary pad. The pad is made from cotton, towelling (Terry cloth) and freeze. All sown together and made with wings that have buttons on the bottom to clip together at the around your underwear. To allow the girl to wear it, wash it and reuse it. Creating a cleaner menstruation week and also result in the girls being able to go to school on their periods.

One problem we currently are facing is only having enough supplies to give to a 1/3 of the schools we will attend.

Another problem I found after discussing with a group of form 4 girls. These girls are around 16-18 sitting their GCSE equivalent. I found out they have been using their pads for the past 5 years. The pads have stopped holding as much blood and are not in the best condition. Due to this they begin to run the risk of stopping coming to school while they are menstruating. I want to allow them to get the best grade they can in their end of school exams and one way to do this is by giving them a fresh set of pads.

I cannot imagine what they go through each month just to try and stay in school and clean. The pads cost 6500 kwacha to make, which is around £5. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated. And all money will go to project BRAVE.

This might be their best Christmas present!