Empowerment Through Expertise and Craftsmanship
Access to safe and hygienic menstrual products in South Africa is still a challenge for many girls and women, as disposable products are often expensive and also have a negative impact on the environment due to their high levels of plastic. Therefore, a 10-day product-based learning workshop was held at Motheo TVET College in February, giving students the opportunity to learn how to sew washable, reusable period products themselves in practical sessions.
‘The idea behind these workshops was not only to teach practical skills, but also to raise awareness of healthy and sustainable period products,’ explains German expert Ilona Sinner from natana, who conducted the course. ‘With washable alternatives, we are effectively countering the so-called period poverty and at the same time showing the young women and men a career perspective in the field of cost-effective, durable, and sustainable alternative products.
In addition to teaching basic entrepreneurial skills in the trade of sewing, the workshop also focussed on educating the more than 55 participants about the female body, the menstrual cycle and the advantages and disadvantages of various period products. The combination of manual work and social education enabled an open discussion without stigmatisation and taboos.
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This post is also available in: German
