Project Progress: Empowering Girls and Women in Jakiri Municipality

The Saika Elisabeth Foundation (SELF), in collaboration with the Canadian Funds for Local Initiatives, continues to make significant strides in the project aimed at restoring the dignity and well-being of girls and women in the Jakiri municipality. This project empowers participants by training them to produce reusable sanitary pads and providing essential menstrual health education.

From September 1st to 15th, 2024, the project team focused on several key activities aimed at enhancing the skills of the 10 girls and women enrolled in the training program, while also expanding community awareness and support for the initiative.

Our Key Achievements:

1. Community Awareness Sessions: Trainees organized small gatherings in their respective villages to raise awareness about menstrual health and the benefits of reusable sanitary pads. These sessions successfully increased community support, with many residents expressing a willingness to volunteer in upcoming campaigns.

2. Follow-up Visits to Key Leaders: Meetings with leaders from Sop Health Center, Saint Sylvester’s Catholic Comprehensive College, and Sop Catholic Church reinforced their support for the project. These leaders committed to actively participating in the education and sensitization campaign planned for October 2024.

3. Feedback Mechanism: A feedback form was introduced to gather input from trainees. Their suggestions were used to refine the training curriculum, leading to improved participant engagement and satisfaction.

4. Sewing Techniques and Materials: The sewing instructor attended advanced training, improving the quality of the reusable sanitary pads. New patterns and materials were introduced, resulting in more efficient production and greater comfort for users.

5. Networking and Material Procurement: Local suppliers were engaged to secure necessary materials for the pads. A finalized design, combining practicality and aesthetics, was achieved, ensuring the products meet both functional and cultural needs.

6. Menstrual Health Education: The participants continued to receive comprehensive menstrual health education, covering important topics such as hygiene precautions, pad maintenance, and menstrual health management for women with heavy flow. This training has bolstered their confidence to further educate their communities.

   
   

Challenges and Mitigation Strategies:

• Disruptions Due to Local Lockdowns: Scheduled activities were impacted by ghost town days and a regional lockdown. However, the project team adjusted by rescheduling sessions and holding activities on alternative days, ensuring minimal disruption.

• Media and Privacy Concerns: Due to insecurity in the region, many participants were reluctant to be photographed or recorded. To address this, the project team implemented strategies such as anonymity assurances and clear communication about media usage, ensuring participants' privacy and comfort.

  
  

Our next Steps

In the coming weeks, the project will focus on finalizing the training for the 10 participants and developing a detailed action plan for the next phase. This will include sensitization campaigns and distributing reusable sanitary pads within the community.

Despite some challenges, such as local disruptions, the project has successfully advanced, equipping women with essential skills and increasing awareness of menstrual health. The next phase aims to build on this progress, further empowering women and extending the impact of the initiative across Jakiri municipality.