For many girls, something as natural as having a period can become a barrier to education. Disposable sanitary products in Malawi are often very expensive and are not always available to purchase. Therefore, many girls are forced to miss school each month because they don’t have period products— and that simply isn’t right.

Education is deeply valued, and no girl should have to fall behind because of something she cannot control!

Sadly, as many girls have no access to hygiene products they are forced to use items that are not suitable alternatives when they have their periods. For example, torn pieces of clothing, old disused rags that they have found, sponges that were once used for cleaning, even their own socks because this is literally the only thing they have on them at the time. This of course can bring risks for contamination and illness… but what would YOU choose do? Let’s suppose you don’t even have access to toilet paper or tissues… what if there really is no other choice?

When faced with this dilemma, it common that men who notice a young girl is suffering (often by the unfortunate stains on her clothing) to approach her and promise to buy her hygiene products… IF she meets his demands and requests… of course, you can understand how dangerous this quickly becomes, and how it seriously impacts the safety of these young girls.

What are we doing to help?

We are raising funds to support Tusa and her incredible work at YANA, where she is helping change this reality.

Previously Tusa has provided her girls with reusable pads and a hygiene kit full of essential items to help them feel comfortable and confident during their period- you can see her talking that here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJfldxJCSXl/?igsh=MWpnODgwbGFjNWZkaA==

Her vision is now to begin creating and designing reusable period underwear for girls that can be made at YANA.

If you haven’t seen this type of product before please search online! They are fantastic! Very comfortable and made with eco friendly absorbent materials that are hygienic and soft against skin. They hold much more liquid that disposable pads, use fabrics that wick moisture away and have naturally antibacterial fibres (they don’t smell bad!) They are also very practical because they are easy to wash, dry quickly and last years making them very sustainable for YANA — and most importantly… they can be washed and reused! This makes them much more financially viable over all, better for the planet and the girls will always have something available to use that won’t run out. By producing them locally, the girls can also learn valuable sewing skills, helping them become more self-sufficient and empowered within their community. Also- they like to wear them because they feel soft and comfortable (no one likes feeling like they’re wrapped in plastic and shuffling about sounding like an empty crisp packet, or trying to hide the sounds of wrappers in the cubicle at break time, or having to hide disposable pads up your sleeve at school!- come on ladies, we have all been there, right?!)

Alongside this, Tusa wants to provide essential hygiene kits for the girls. These kits will include basic but vital items such as a washing tub that doubles as a storage solution for privacy, soap, washing powder, toothpaste and deodorant — ensuring that every girl can manage her period with dignity, comfort, and feel fresh and confident.

Education is at the heart of Tusa’s work. She is dedicated to teaching the younger girls about periods so they understand what to expect one day soon and don’t feel afraid or ashamed (and some knowledge for the boys too!) She creates a safe and supportive space where they can ask questions, seek advice, and feel confident in their bodies. Tusa is also encouraging girls to speak up if they experience pain or discomfort, challenging the long-standing belief that they should simply “deal with it” because “it’s normal” and “everyone goes through this.” Every girl deserves care, understanding, and access to support!

Your donation, no matter the size, will make a real difference. It will help provide practical solutions, education, and empowerment for girls who deserve every opportunity to thrive.

Thank you so much for your kindness and support — we are truly grateful and we never take this for granted.