Reusable sanitary pads pose a remarkably easy solution to this far-reaching problem. With very little money, girls can make their own pads, which they can wash between uses. Lasting them two to three years, these pads allow girls to remain in school and to stay caught up with their male peers.

We held feedback sessions at 5 Damongo junior high schools to better understand female students' lived experiences with menstruation. In response to their concerns, we held a reusable pad-making event for 200 girls, during which each girl received supplies and instructions to make 5 pads. They learned to cut cloth using a template and then to stitch it together to hold a removable, absorbent interior lined with plastic. Although we provided professional instruction, the girls were encouraged to work together to foster leadership and communication skills.

Student Team:

Eleanor Campbell [USA, Columbia University '24]

World Vision Ghana staff members