Sew reusable period pads for people suffering from period poverty around the world

Keywords

Ad hoc Crafts Flexible Poverty Refugees Sewing Socialising

Description

Anyone with some spare time and access to a sewing machine can join the Pachamama team of volunteers to sew reusable period pads and drawstring bags that are then distributed to people who need them around the world. Since founding in 2020, Pachamama has sent 180,000 pads to 12 countries. The sustainable pads last at least five years, they help girls stay in school, keep women in work and restore dignity. This is a zero-commitment volunteering position that allows volunteers to dip in and out. We have volunteers who make a few pads then stop, and others who send hundreds every month – and every level of participation in between. Volunteers are sent the templates and instructions. There is a friendly and supportive closed Facebook Group for those that are online, and regular newsletters are sent to everyone with all the project updates.  A number of volunteers have formed groups and sew the pads together in sociable groups.

What rewards come with volunteering, and how does it create meaningful change?

A kit of eight pads will relieve someone from period poverty for at least five years. This will see a girl through her secondary education; it will mean a women can work and help support her family; it means the restoration of dignity.  500m people worldwide suffer from period poverty including here in the UK.  Our pads currently go to Uganda, where one in five girls drop out of school when they start their periods, to Pakistan, to Lebanon, to Syria and here in the UK.  Our sustainable pads are delivered by partners on the ground in the local communities along with menstrual health education. We are working to destigmatise menstruation and ensure that no-one is held back by their period.

Requirements

You need access to a sewing machine and some spare time. The position is remote, so it’s completely on your terms.  You will be sent all the templates and instructions on how to make the pads.