How does our work look like ?
Join Us for a Distribution and Awareness-Raising Session in Tanzania !
We are really keen, to fight against period poverty and therefore, we are organizing pads distributions and awareness-raising sessions within Tanzania on a regular base. This does not only provide girls and young women with essential and reusable menstrual hygiene products but also imparts knowledge that empowers them to lead healthier, and more confident lives.
Preparation for a Day
Before embarking on a distribution day, proper planning is the key. We ensure that we have all the necessary supplies, including printed educational materials, teaching equipment, and enough sanitary kits. We also reach out to RDO social workers, teachers, and government officials to coordinate the event and spread to word to maximize participation. This normally ensures a smooth and effective distribution and awareness-raising day.
Reaching Remote Areas
Some of the villages we work with are located in remote areas, making our journey to them quite challenging. A three-hour drive is not uncommon, but the enthusiasm for our mission keeps us going. Upon our arrival, we meet with local teachers, RDO social workers and government officials, briefing them on the day‘s activities.
Empowering Through Education
We always begin the session by engaging the students in a discussion. Through a brief group activity, we aim to create a comfortable environment where we can gauge their knowledge and assess their needs. These discussions naturally lead to the core of our mission: reusable sanitary kits. We ask questions about menstruation, the challenges they face, and how these challenges can be overcome.
Our expert in family planing and safe menstruation then reveals our sanitary kit, cleverly disguised as an ordinary pouch. The students often guess it contains everyday items like a phone, money, or keys, rarely suspecting reusable sanitary pads. The excitement and happiness on their faces when the pouch is opened is always magical.
We proceed to demonstrate how to use and care for the pads, emphasizing proper washing and maintenance. In addition to discussing menstruation, we address general hygiene, including protection against sexually transmitted diseases and self-care.
Open Dialogue and Support
Following the educational session, we welcome questions. Many students are curious about their physical experiences during menstruation and where they can purchase our sanitary kits. It is at this point that we reveal the best news - each of them will receive a kit for free that day. The joy and gratitude that wash over the students are truly heartwarming and it shows again, how important that topic is.
Before distributing the kits, we collect essential data from each student, helping us with our evaluation process. We also let them know that from that day onwards, we are partners in their journey. We, as the producers, and they, as our advisors. If they ever have advice, concerns, or questions, we encourage them to reach out to us. This collaborative approach strengthens our connection and also assists us in evaluating and improving our sanitary kits.
A Promise for a Brighter Future
As the day comes to a close, we bid farewell to the students and teachers and commence our journey back to our center. Our hearts filled with a sense of fulfillment and hope. It is not just about providing sanitary kits to them; it is about creating a supportive and safe community and enabling girls and young women to face their future with confidence and pride.
Join us in our journey, where every distribution and awareness-raising day is a step towards a brighter future. Together, we can make a lasting impact, one sanitary kit at a time.
