Pearls from Africa: November 2014

Taylor teaching P5-P7 girls about the female reproductive system, menstrual cycle and reusable menstrual pads

One of the biggest challenges facing teenage girls in Ugandan schools is a high rate of absenteeism, especially compared to boys. For a long time, this remained one of the biggest mysteries to development workers as to why girls were missing so much school. It was the biggest secret that everyone knew about: girls stay home one week out of the month when they are on their menstrual periods (MP). Supplies such as tampons and maxi pads aren't a viable option for many girls since they are both expensive and disposable. Therefore, it is easier to stay home for a week and spare the embarrassment of going to school (we've all been there ladies.) Girls are already at a huge disadvantage here in Uganda, although big strides have been made in the past to be more inclusive of females. This was one area where we could solve a problem using local materials and make a reusable product. Reusable Menstrual Pads (RUMPs) are made from local materials, using cloth, ribbon, 2 towels and a needle and thread. As simple as that. The pad has two towels that can be changed out and washed, and the pad lasts for up to a year. A much more feasible solution than buying a box of maxi pads.

My friend Taylor came out to my primary school to do a RUMPs workshop with our girls, ages 12-15. She did a short session on the female reproductive system and the menstruation cycle. We also invited a dozen students from the PTC to come observe the workshop and lend a hand to the girls. We sent them home with a kit to make their own and teach someone else how to make it.

Each female pupil received a kit with enough material to sew two pads and four towels. We started first with sewing the pad: two pieces of cloth in the shape of cross, one on top of the other, with a piece of ribbon on each end. The girls sewed all the way around the edges of the cross shape, leaving a small gap at the end. Taylor had brought a visiting friend with her, as well as two others PCVs, so we had plenty of helpers around the room making sure the girls were sewing correctly. After the pad shape was sewn, they flipped the pad inside out, making the ribbon on the outside and then sewing the gap closed. Then a button was sewed on the wing, and the towel placed inside the ribbon holders. Easy as 1-2-3.

Afterwards, Taylor spoke about the importance of washing the towel daily and leaving it in the sun to dry. This reduces the chance of any infection. We briefed the PTC students and had them talk individually to each table to answer any questions. Taylor also spoke about how easy it is to make a reusable menstrual pad with fabric scraps at home or from tailoring shops.

Why is this project important? It allows girls who would otherwise stay home to go to school on their MPs. RUMPs is one of the biggest Peace Corps initiatives because it relates to gender equity, income-generating activities and health. RUMPs workshops are always a good opportunity to answer questions about female reproduction, menstruation, pregnancy and menstrual hygiene. At Camp LION, Elyse taught our RUMPs session to both boys and girls. She fielded questions about menstruation, pregnancy, how to make a reusable menstrual pad. She asked the boys why they thought they were also in the session, and not just for the girls. Knowledge is power, but RUMPs can be a great income-generating activity.

This was my final project at the primary school, since my time here in Uganda is soon coming to an end. I will leave my home here in Bukinda in early December, travel for a few weeks for a COS trip and then be back in the US for Christmas.

Labeling the female reproductive system

With our RUMPs kits!

Materials in each RUMP kit

Assembling the pad. Each girl will sew around all four edges, including the ribbons, leaving a small gap. Then you flip the pad inside out, and sew a button on the wing to fasten around the knickers.

Assembling the pads

Our PTC students talking to girls individually about the pad, menstrual hygiene and MPs

Testing over 185 students for HIV at the PTC

Last Saturday, we had the AIDS Information Center come to the PTC for a day of HIV information and testing. I worked with AIC Kabale to organize the event with all the students. We had a team of 6 come from AIC to facilitate sessions on HIV transmission and prevention, and a team of 20 living-positive drama members to perform skits for the students. They sang folk songs and performed skits in local language about the importance of wearing condoms, knowing your status and understanding the basics of HIV. The AIC did a great job of fielding questions from students, from everything about how to wear a condom to questions about unprotected sex. To assure anonymity, we had students submit written questions and then answered them in front of the student body. It was a really productive morning, especially since these students don't have a safe outlet to ask questions about their bodies, sex, masturbation, condoms. This is one reason that I love Peace Corps camps so much is that they provide that safe outlet for Ugandan youth. We also had to keep it PG at the PTC since the administration is vehemently against any talk about condoms or how to stay protected during sex. It makes it hard to give knowledge to students, many of which are sexually active or are at least curious about it.

After lunch, the AIC set up a testing and counseling area for HIV testing. It was an optional activity but I am pleased to say that over half the student body tested for HIV, with only one testing positive for HIV. That is a great outcome, not only to have students test themselves but to have such a low rate of HIV among those tested. I count the day as a great success, especially spending the day with the PTC students and the great staff at AIC.