Amidst the chaos and devastation brought by Cyclone Freddy, Girl Child Hygiene branch in Malawi has brought a glimmer of hope to 250 women taking refuge at Makuwa Primary School in Chiradzulu, Malawi. With funding from Rafael Catelli and friends from Brazil, the organization arrived to give a donation of sanitary pads and soap to the women, essential items that the women desperately needed.
The women huddled in the cramped under a Mango tree at the school; their clothes still damp from the relentless rain outside. The winds howled, and the roof rattled, threatening to give way at any moment. Life under Cyclone Freddy is a constant battle against the elements, with little relief in sight and efforts being made by different governmental and non-governmental organization trying as much they can to reach as many people as possible.
But amidst the chaos, a glimmer of hope arrived in the form of Girl Child Hygiene in Malawi. They came to teach them about menstrual health, Malawian taboos, and the challenges facing the girl child.
As the organization’s Country Director , Dhliwayo Jere began to speak, the women were struck by the wealth of knowledge he shared. He explained the importance of proper menstrual hygiene and how to care for one’s body during one’s monthly cycle. He also spoke about the various taboos and myths surrounding menstruation in Malawi and how they can be harmful to girls and women.
Living in cramped conditions with little privacy and limited access to clean water, the women faced a myriad of challenges, including those related to menstrual hygiene. Many lacked access to sanitary pads and were forced to use improvised materials like to manage their periods. The lack of proper sanitation facilities and education on menstrual hygiene further compounded the issue.
The women listened intently as he spoke about the challenges facing the girl child in Malawi, such as early marriage and dropping out of school due to lack of access to menstrual supplies. It was clear that the organization had done their research and understood the unique challenges facing women and girls in the country.
But the most impactful part of the visit was when they distributed the donations. As each woman received a package containing sanitary pads and soap, the relief and gratitude on their faces was evident. It was clear that these small items would make a significant difference in their daily lives.
As they walked back to their corners of the shelter, clutching their own packages of supplies, they felt a renewed sense of hope. Despite the challenges of Cyclone Freddy and the uncertainty of their future, they knew that there were people out there who cared about them and were working to make a difference in their lives.
In the days to follow, it is guaranteed that they will use the knowledge and supplies they have received to take better care of themselves during their menstrual cycles. They will also share what they have learned with other women in the shelter, passing on the knowledge and tools that had been given to them.
Looking back on that day, the women were filled with gratitude for the non-governmental organization and their donor, Rafael Catelli and friends from Brazil. Their visit and donations may have been a small act in the grand scheme of things, but it had a significant impact on the women at the shelter.
It’s crucial to recognize the importance of organizations like Girl Child Hygiene in Malawi and the work they do in communities like this. Their efforts may not make headlines, but they make a real difference in people’s lives, providing essential services and knowledge that can help break the cycle of poverty and inequality.
The experience of the women at the Makuwa primary School shelter is just one example of the challenges faced by women and girls in Malawi during natural disasters. The lack of access to basic necessities, including sanitary pads and proper sanitation facilities, can have long-lasting effects on the health and well-being of women and girls.
Girl Child Hygiene in Malawi’s intervention was a beacon of hope for the women at the shelter, providing much-needed relief and education on an issue that is often overlooked. It is a reminder of the importance of organisations that work towards empowering women and girls and providing them with the resources they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
As the winds continue to howl, and the rain pouring down, the women are reminded of the strength and resilience of women in Malawi.
Written by: Damascus Hara