This project will distribute 'kits' of underwear, washable sanitary pads, and a sex education to 250 Bemba girls who have been known to miss school as they resort to leaves and rags to manage their flow. Kits last up to 3 years. This project will partner with the King of the Bemba People and will also facilitate the establishment of a sewing center startup to initially employ 12 deaf women to sew the kits. Your donation will be matched by provincial schools for expansion and sustainability.
The King of the Bemba People tells us that girls in his tribe of 6 million often drop out at a much higher rate than boys because they have no means of effective management of their menstrual flow. This often leads to loss of dignity, child marriage, and life-long poverty. Without knowledge of reproductive health, girls cannot make informed decisions regarding sexual intercourse. Unemployment for women is pervasive and adds to the cycle of poverty and poor health. The Tribe suffers for this.
This project provides effective, long term, and affordable means of menstrual management. Bemba girls can complete their education and become independent and confident women. Armed with a health education, they have more control over their reproductive choices and demonstrate good health practices to all villagers. Sustainable jobs for women, including some of the school girl graduates, enable them to provide necessities for themselves and their families and to contribute to the local economy.
This project gives 250 girls the opportunity to grow up to be economic contributors and health advocates in their villages and inspiring role models for their children. A sewing center for women villagers will provide long term jobs to improve the economic viability of the community. This enterprise is enthusiastically endorsed by the Bemba King and local leaders are poised to subsidize the project. It will create a sustainable loop of supply, demand, and growth as it supports gender equality.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
