Findings have shown that a greater percentage of school-going girls skip school during their mensural period. This is largely associated with a lack of access to sanitary pads. It’s against this backdrop that the Gambia Teachers’ Union organizes a two-day training for Sixty Home Science teachers in Region 2 on the making of reusable sanitary pads.
The training underway at the GTU Secretariat is funded by the Steve Sinnott Foundation.
Officials believe the training would help enhance the capacity of the teachers in making the sanitary pads thus increasing the availability and easy access to the pads by girls.
Essa Sowe, Deputy General Secretary-GTU highlighted the significance of the training. He told participants to “role this out, share the knowledge and support the girls.”
GTU’s Ladies’Society Chairperson, Saffie Nyassie lauded the initiative. She said the reusable sanitary pads are cheap and their materials are easily accessible compared to other sanitary pads. She added that the availability of sanitary pads in schools will encourage girls to be in school even during their cycle. She also enjoined participants to hand down the knowledge gained to colleagues and students.
According to the trainers, the reusable sanitary pads could be used for two years. But they highlighted that they must be properly taken care of. They (trainers) encouraged the usage of reusable sanitary pads, arguing that they are healthy and safe.
