charity

Menstruation is perhaps one of the most regular individual female experiences, but in sub-Saharan Africa, the experience becomes a curse. In order to stem the flow of monthly periods, the women and girls use anything from rags, tree leaves, old clothes, toilet paper, newspapers, cotton wool, cloths or literally anything that can do the job. Most girls from poor, rural communities do not use anything at all. It’s very common for girls to avoid school during their periods, eventually dropping out all together.

Not a particularly style-related article for a fashion blog, but when I came across this project I knew immediately it had to be shared with our talented readers. NewYorkDesigner.com is teaming with a Red Tent product manager and will be supplying hand-sewn, earth-friendly, washable, reusable mentrual pads which will be hand delivered to teenage girls in Ethiopia. Each girl will receive one holder, three inserts and a small carry-pouch. The pattern is very simple and can be created by anyone with a basic knowledge of sewing. If you’ve ever sewn a pillow, you’re qualified!

Some quick facts:

• ordinary woman are unable to afford basic sanitary protection.
• one pack of sanitary pads costs more than 50% of the average monthly wage for women.
• millions of african women are forced to replace tampons/pads with newspapers and dirty rags.
       • this can lead to vaginal infections for which there is no available medication.
       • these vaginal infections are often mistaken to be sexually transmitted infections leading to social embarrassment and domestic violence.
• wives and mothers are unable to work when they have their periods, further hindering already impoverished families.
• girls are forced to take time off school, further jeopardizing their education.
       • because of the economic and cultural crises in africa, its schools serve as more than academic centers.  they provide community resources where young people receive basic care and services, such as food programs, clean water and counseling.

If interested, shoot an email to info at newyorkdesigner dot com and we’ll forward the pattern and details your way.