10 socially disadvantaged women learn to produce eco-friendly reusable pads, paving the way to economic independence. At the same time, 500 schoolgirls receive free pads, helping them stay in school, build confidence, and stay healthy for a brighter future in Atwima Nwabiagya, Ghana.

Local Solution

RuGirlz is tackling period poverty, plastic waste, and unemployment among women and youth in Ghana by supporting 10 women to gain economic independence. Simultaneously, they are raising awareness through menstrual health sessions for 1,000 students, teachers, and community members, with 500 girls receiving free eco-friendly reusable pads.

In rural Ghana, youth unemployment hits 12%, and over 50% are underemployed (World Bank). Women in these communities are especially vulnerable, with 10% of young women in the Ashanti region unemployed due to menstruation’s impact on productivity (2021). Globally, more than 500 million women and girls experience period poverty. In Ghana, 95% of girls sometimes miss school due to a lack of affordable menstrual products (Ghana Research Brief). Without access, girls rely on unhygienic alternatives like rags or socks, risking health issues and dropout. Some resort to transactional sex to get pads, increasing teenage pregnancies and STDs. The project focuses on 10 women aged 18-35 who have expressed interest and need support, and 500 girls aged 10-17 who often miss school due to lack of affordable menstrual products.

Over a 6 months period, women receive hands-on training in sewing, entrepreneurship, and product care from experienced trainers. They produce high-quality, chemical-free pads that are sold at affordable prices, with some given free to vulnerable girls. A deluxe kit, including four maxi pads, a carry pouch, a dryer, and a care manual will last for two years at only GH₵ 95.00, making it a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative that reduces waste and monthly costs.

Women will sell pads through local shops and community networks. Additionally, two mini Eco-Diva shops will be established for ongoing distribution and awareness campaigns to reduce stigma around menstruation. The project will also train 40 new Eco-Diva ambassadors, collaborate with institutions, and organise education campaigns, including Menstrual Hygiene Day.

RuGirlz has deep experience in women’s health, community empowerment, and sustainable development, ensuring effective implementation of this impactful solution.

Lives Improved

In the short term, 500 girls will access hygienic, affordable sanitary products, drastically reducing school absences and boosting confidence. The 10 women producing pads will earn income and gain economic independence. Additionally, 40 family members will benefit from improved nutrition, education, and health.

One year from now,

We aim for more girls to attend school regularly, reducing missed days by 3-5 per month and increasing retention rates by up to 60%. Women will have stable income, empowering them to make decisions about their future.

Community Impact

This project will foster healthier, more confident girls and women, shifting community perceptions about menstruation and gender roles. Success indicators include increased school retention and women’s economic independence. The local production and sales networks will inspire more women to pursue entrepreneurship, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and environmental sustainability that benefits entire families and communities.

The project primarily contributes to SDG 1 (No Poverty) through income generation, and   (Quality Education) via improved school attendance and empowerment.

Budget

The project requires GHC 155,315.79(or € 10,307.86 ). Donations will be used to:

• Recruit, train, and employ socially disadvantaged women as seamstresses and entrepreneurs.
• Purchase raw materials, sewing equipment, and production kits for local manufacturing
• Distribute free pads to schoolgirls and provide menstrual health education sessions.
• Support the setup and operation of mini Eco-Diva shops
• 5% to iMPACT direct for facilitating direct donations to local solutions (which helps to cover costs of the website, promotion and proposal writing, costs of financial services and the support to NGOs).

Own contribution: RuGirlz will contribute by training 40 new trainers to extend the reach of the Menstrual Health Management (MHM) Diva volunteers’ program.

Testimonial

“I was an unemployed single mother and since I got trained and started sewing reusable sanitary pads, I now have income to support myself and my little girl’s education. I use the reusable  sanitary pad too and I must say it has helped me to save money from monthly purchases.” Dorcas, Nerebehi Community

Did RuGirlz also train women in sewing these pads? And if so, should that be added here?

thats a direct output, under lives improved