Bike Packing for Ugandan Girls’ Menstrual Pads

Hi, my name is Nicole. Starting July 4th, my husband and I will be bike packing from Calgary, Alberta to Vancouver, BC following the Trans Canada Trail. It will take us approximately 3 weeks to complete over 1,400 kilometers while riding an average of 70 kilometers a day and camping along the way. Last year, we bike packed from Kimberley to Calgary in 8 days and this year we wanted to step up the challenge! The goal is to raise $250 to buy a sewing machine for the women and girls in Karamoja, Uganda. This sewing machine will then be used to teach, train, and empower more young girls and women to make their own reusable menstrual pads and undergarments, as well as receive education about menstrual health. Already, sewing lessons are being held with the Nachele women’s group with the most recently donated sewing machines.

Many of the women and girls in rural Karamoja cannot afford or do not have access to buy disposable pads or reusable products thus making it difficult to attend school and carry on with their daily activities. Often, they will use whatever then can during their menstrual cycle that may cause infections or keep them away from school or work for a week every month. This effects their health, education, and economic stability.

This fundraiser is important because I have witnessed that by learning to a sustainable skill such as sewing, it empowers the women and girls to improve their sanitary hygiene and health. This skill can have great impact beyond their hygiene and health. As we raise money by bike packing, their lives and health are being changed.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and support us as we bike but most importantly to come alongside and empower the Karamoja women and girls.