From Stitching to Skills: 50 Girls Trained to Make Reusable Menstrual Pads in The Gambia

On Friday, 23 October, 2026 fifty girls at Saint Charles Upper Basic School in Fajikunda, The Gambia, picked up needles and thread with one task ahead of them: making a reusable menstrual pad of their own. The day also opened up a conversation on a subject that is too often surrounded by silence, misconceptions and embarrassment.

The session was part of Standout Foundation's Period Health Support Project, which brings practical menstrual health education into schools. The girls took part throughout, asking questions and joining in every activity.

Why Menstrual Health Education Matters in Schools

For many girls, menstruation begins with limited information and little chance to ask questions. According to a UNICEF report published in May 2024, only 39% of schools worldwide provide menstrual health education. In The Gambia, some girls miss school for about five days every month because they cannot afford or access menstrual products and sanitary facilities. This can amount to 40–50 school days of missed learning, which can affect their participation and progress in education. Without affordable products, suitable facilities and accurate information, girls may have to manage their periods with limited support. Myths, cultural taboos and embarrassment can also make it hard to ask for guidance when they need it.

Standout Foundation has previously supported girls in The Gambia through its menstrual pad distribution initiative, which reached 200 girls aged 11 to 18 at Sheikh Mass Kah Secondary School to commemorate the 2026 International Day of The Girl Child. The Period Health Support Project builds on this work. Rather than focusing only on access to products, it gives girls practical skills and knowledge about their bodies, menstrual hygiene and reusable alternatives. This reflects Standout Foundation's commitment to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) education and well-being, and its wider efforts to improve girls' participation in education.

Learning by Doing: Making Reusable Menstrual Pads

The practical session was led by Fatoumata Jaiteh, Administrative Intern at Children Foundation The Gambia. Using simple, affordable fabric, she demonstrated each step, from cutting and stitching to assembling the pads. She also explained how to wash, dry and store them safely for reuse. Once the demonstration was done, the girls put their new skills into practice. Each girl made her own reusable pad.

The stitching was followed by a menstrual health education session led by Kadijatou Jammeh, a University of The Gambia student and young child rights advocate. She explained the basics of menstruation, addressed common myths and cultural taboos, and encouraged the girls to speak openly about their periods without shame or embarrassment.

One moment caught the girls' attention: reusable pads should be changed every four hours. It showed how even basic menstrual health knowledge can make a real difference to health and comfort. The girls also used the time to ask questions and clear up misconceptions.

Sukai Fatajo, Communications and Programs Officer at Standout Foundation, closed the session with a talk on menstrual care and hygiene. The girls stayed engaged, asking questions and joining the discussion until the end.

What the Girls Took Home

By the end of the session, each girl also left with the reusable pad she had made and practical knowledge about menstrual health and hygiene. They also left with a new skill, and having talked about menstruation openly in a supportive space.

Help More Girls Access Menstrual Health Education

One school session cannot solve every challenge girls face in managing their periods. But practical skills, accurate information and safe spaces to ask questions are important steps towards better menstrual health awareness. Standout Foundation remains committed to bringing  SRHR education into schools, so that children have the information and skills to make informed choices about their health and well-being.

Partner with Standout Foundation through our SRHR Education and Well-being programme and support our work through our donation page.