Patterns for washable and re-usable sanitary pads

These could be made by clubs and districts as an alternative or in addition to knitting squares, jumpers etc. With many thanks to Linda Willetts D19 and Marion Tasker D22.

Happy sewing.
Ann Acaster.

These were designed so that I could use any materials that were available very cheaply in Uganda and, made by the girls themselves, 13 years ago my husband Mike and I started a school in Uganda and only realised 4 years ago when a friend of ours went to visit the school that the older girls were missing school for 4-5 days every month, we realised immediately what the problem was, but as menstruation is a taboo subject in the villages and many girls did not know what was happening to them we were not made aware of the problem. Our friend spoke to the girls and found that the only protection they had was old bits of rag and in some cases just grass, I knew something had to be done but realised that by making and just sending out a few pads myself was not the answer as this is a long term problem, so I went out to the school armed with patterns, materials and machines and taught the girls how to make the pads themselves and also how to make panties as one is no good without the other and this was yet another problem, they had no underwear, since doing this we now have full attendance at school and the project has been taken out to many other schools in the area, giving many girls back their dignity thanks to an NGO who has taken it on, but my girls have also managed to make a small business from this earning small monies for their families and I have since been back to the school and helped them set up a shop where they not only make and sell the pads and underwear but make and design clothes, making a big difference to them their families and the community.

I hope that by putting this on the website many more young girls can be helped. If you need any more information please let me know.

Thanks for thinking of this
Linda Willetts
D19

linwilletts@gmail.com