Menstrual poverty is a global issue affecting women and girls who don't have access to safe, hygienic sanitary products, and/or who are unable to manage their periods with dignity, sometimes due to community stigma and sanction. In Kenya, many girls would stay at home for the duration of their cycle, which leads to school expulsion. The consequences for young women are life changing, as early pregnancy and poverty.
NAGO – is a polish brand, which creates collections, that will make you not only well dressed, but also feel good. It was a first choice for Sewing Together to reach out and ask for help.
“A brand which clothes are dedicated to independent and strong women.”
We have decided to join forces and fight together period poverty in Kenya and beyond !
How we are going to do it ? Very simple : Sewing Together for a while now is making reusable sanitary pads in Mombasa ( based on the knowledge and experience of Padding Africa, which taught us about the reusable pads and their sewing groups in Zimbabwe, Malawi and South Africa) . To make one pad, there is a need of good quality and natural fabric. Something breathable and healthy for the skin.
NAGO, which uses best quality organic materials offered to give us their off cuts and samples. All in a spirit of zero waste – sustainable fashion. Next step was to transport all the fabrics to Kenya and together with ST students to make as many pads as we can and deliver it to girls in rural areas.
Our collaboration not only have ecological value ( maximizing the use of the fabric and creating an alternative to a normal pad which decompose for 800 years ) but as well we are equipping women in strength and independence. No girl should feel menstrual shame and no girl should miss school while menstruating.
Like Nelson Mandela said Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Something as simple as reusable sanitary pads made by NAGO and Sewing Together, can give this future to many women in Kenya.
xxx
MK
