Stitch Sisters for Dandelion Africa

This is the real reason I keep going back to Kenya and volunteer with Dandelion Africa.  This organization is a grass-roots NGO started by an amazing women, Wendo Aszed, 10 years ago.  Their main programs involve women and children's health, women's financial education, and youth education.  My main goal during my visits is to help create a program/plan for sustainable menstrual products.  This is especially time sensitive, as Dandelion Africa is no longer receiving funding for menstrual products (disposable pads).

My initial visit was to conduct research for my Master's of Public Health program, which I have now completed.  My research has helped Dandelion Africa understand the current climate of what types of menstrual products are currently used and what products the women and girls are open to using.  During this research, I found that women prefer pads and are very receptive to having reusable ones.  I believe that even if they use reusable pads during rainy seasons (when they have ample water to wash them), they will greatly benefit.  There have also been a number of women interested in sewing cloth pads - this will be an excellent opportunity within the community.

For my second visit, I made 24 reusable cloth menstrual pads.  I designed pads keeping in mind what I am comfortable with - as the director of Dandelion Africa had feedback from previous cloth pads that were not successful in the community.  I also choose to use materials that are higher quality, in order to ensure confidence in functionality.  My goal with this visit was to get feedback on how they work so I could come back with more that fit their needs better.  My third visit, I brought 84 reusable pads that I spent a very busy month making.  The feedback has been great - most of the women loved them, and also had very helpful feedback to adjust them.

Now, I am here looking for the materials they have access to so that I can teach the women to make the cloth pads themselves.   In order to get these materials, the community needs money - for the fabrics, threads, needles, elastics, buttons/snaps, etc.  Up until now, I have been funding this project myself, but now it's time to ask for some help so it can be sustainable for the community.  Any amount of money will help, and if we reach our goal of $500 - that could make a lot of pads for the girls and women in this area!  Your support and contribution is greatly appreciated <3