Updates from workshops in Ethiopia
I'm excited to continue sharing updates as part of Global Notebook from our ongoing workshop in Ethiopia in partnership with the Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church Development Commission and the Government of Canada.
In this session, we focused on products to support menstrual hygiene management that are suited to and available in the local context. Our goals were to discuss the range of locally-available period products with participants, and to enable them to share these options with their communities as sustainable, effective and safe options. By learning about a range of products, women and girls are able to make informed choices about their menstrual health.
Pictured above: A range of the menstrual hygiene management products available locally that we discussed with workshop participants.
Making Sanitary Pads Using Locally-available Materials:
One of the activities this week was teaching participants how to make reusable sanitary pads using materials that are readily available in their local communities. This practical session was designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to create cost-effective and eco-friendly menstrual hygiene products. Utilizing local resources can promote sustainability and self-sufficiency within the community.
Participants engaged actively in hands-on demonstrations, learning various techniques to produce high-quality sanitary pads. The goal of this activity was to introduce ways to enable women and girls to safely manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence, in resource-limited settings – and our goal was met! The enthusiasm and creativity displayed by the participants was truly inspiring.
Pictured above: Mulu stitches a reusable menstrual pad at a workshop, learning a valuable skill.
Pictured above: Tsegahun concentrates intently as he learns to make reusable menstrual pads at a hygiene workshop.
Safe Disposal of Used Sanitary Materials:
Another critical focus this week was the safe disposal of used sanitary materials. Managing menstrual waste in schools and communities is a global challenge, and we explored various options to meet it.
The journey towards safe disposal begins with dispelling the myths associated with menstruation, that can lead to shame. By fostering open conversations and education, we can break down the stigma and encourage responsible practices. Equally important is ensuring that every female-friendly toilet is equipped with a garbage can. This simple but effective measure can make a world of difference in promoting hygienic disposal habits.
Our approach emphasizes the importance of capacity development over infrastructure. Building disposal facilities is crucial, but it's equally vital to empower communities with the knowledge and skills to manage menstrual waste responsibly.
The discussions around menstrual waste disposal have been incredibly insightful. Participants shared their experiences and explored innovative solutions to address this critical issue.
Pictured above: Abiy and Ghetachuw team up with Community WASH Promoters Yemisrach and Aregash.
By the end of the week, we expect our participants to have developed their knowledge of the various safe products available to manage menstruation, how to create reusable sanitary pads using local materials, and how to promote safe disposal methods in their communities. These skills are essential for improving menstrual health and hygiene, ensuring that women and girls can manage their periods safely and with dignity.
We're excited about the progress we’ve made this week and look forward to continuing this journey of learning. Watch your inbox for a final update about this workshop as we wrap up our time in Ethiopia.
Thank you for your continued support and interest in our initiatives!
Karen Joe joined the Research and Learning team as a Knowledge and Research Advisor in November 2019. She holds a master’s degree in International Public Health from the University of Queensland and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Ontario. Karen has over 10 years of experience in international development and public health, specializing in knowledge management, program design, gender equality and social inclusion, monitoring and evaluation, and results-based management. She is an experienced evaluator and has worked across Sub-Saharan African and the South Pacific regions. Prior to joining CAWST, she worked at the University of Calgary, coordinating the Tanzania Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Initiative (Mama na Mtoto). She has previously lived in both Nigeria and Ghana where she worked on Global Affairs Canada funded Maternal and Child health programs.
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