We are proud to be running a menstrual cup project for schoolgirls and women in rural Malawi. This project improves female health and gives women and girls a new sense of freedom during their periods. We are providing our female members of staff with a menstrual cup too.
During menstrual cup training and follow up sessions, our trained team discuss female health issues with those attending. We hope to continue providing a safe space where girls and women feel comfortable asking questions and seeking advice.
MENSTRUAL CUP TRAINING SESSIONS WITH SCHOOLGIRLS
WOMEN LIVING IN RURAL MALAWI LEARNING ABOUT MENSTRUAL CUPS
FLORA, ONE OF OUR COORDINATORS, RECEIVES HER MENSTRUAL CUP
In 2024, we ran Phase One of our pilot project and distributed 250 menstrual cups to girls in six primary schools, and one secondary school. The project included comprehensive training sessions on menstrual health and how to use menstrual cups. Feedback from the girls and teachers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many girls reporting improved confidence and increased school attendance.
In 2025, we ran Phase Two of our pilot project and extended our reach to include 1,000 women in the community and our female staff alongside 1,500 more schoolgirls.
Our Family Planning and Sexual Health Coordinator, Rebecca, has been fully trained by a recognised menstrual cup trainer in Malawi. During Phase 2 of the project, we trained Matilda, another member of our team. The two Coordinators carry out the training with the schoolgirls, women in the community, and our female staff.Â
After the initial training and distribution of the menstrual cups, we carry out follow-ups three months later and then another six months later to ensure the women and girls are confident using their menstrual cup and receive any additional support that they may need.
During menstrual cup training and follow up sessions, our trained team discuss female health issues with those attending. We hope to continue providing a safe space where girls and women feel comfortable asking questions and seeking advice.
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In Malawi, many girls face challenges managing menstruation due to limited access to affordable and sustainable period products. This often leads to missed school days, reduced participation in daily activities, and health risks associated with using unhygienic alternatives.
We also were alerted to the fact that some girls were engaging in sexual activities to earn money to buy sanitary pads so they did not have to miss school. Therefore, the introduction of menstrual cups is so important.
Some of the benefits include:
In 2024 and 2025, we ran Phase One and Two of our pilot project and distributed 2,750 menstrual cups to girls in primary and secondary schools, female teachers, our female staff, and women in the community. The project included comprehensive training sessions on menstrual health and how to use menstrual cups. Feedback from the girls and women has been overwhelmingly positive, with many girls reporting improved confidence and increased school attendance.
We are proud that 96% of the girls and 93% of women continue to use their menstrual cups, and the main reasons that they like using them are: the money saved and the cups’ reliability, comfort, lack of odour and convenience.
Our Family Planning and Sexual Health Coordinator, Rebecca, has been fully trained by a recognised menstrual cup trainer in Malawi. During Phase 2 of the project, we trained Matilda, another member of our team. The two Coordinators carry out the training with the schoolgirls, women in the community, and our female staff.Â
After the initial training and distribution of the menstrual cups, we carry out follow-ups three months later and then another six months later to ensure the women and girls are confident using their menstrual cup and receive any additional support that they may need.
During menstrual cup training and follow up sessions, our trained team discuss female health issues with those attending. We hope to continue providing a safe space where girls and women feel comfortable asking questions and seeking advice.
In addition, we hope to continue providing Life Skills lessons to pupils in Standard 5 to 8 at the primary schools where we are introducing menstrual cups.
After a successful pilot project, we hope to continue expanding this project year on year.
TRAINING INCLUDES UNDERSTANDING THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
THE DIFFERENT WAYS TO FOLD AND INSERT THE CUP ARE TAUGHT
GIRLS SAY THE CUP GIVES THEM FREEDOM, HELPS SAVE MONEY AND NO ODOUR
