towel production

The UNFPA Disability Inclusion Strategy puts persons with disabilities at the center of everything the organization does. Disability inclusion means making the work of UNFPA stronger by ensuring sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. South Sudan like any other country also has a sizable population of persons living with disabilities. It is against this background that AfriYAN South Sudan with support from UNFPA South Sudan conducted a one-day training in Juba for persons with disabilities as a means of the strengthening and empowering vulnerable girls and young mothers through economic empowerment while contributing to meeting the reproductive health needs of women and girls in a sustainable way.

The training focused on imparting skills on the production of reusable sanitary pads as well as knowledge building on menstruation to the group of women with disabilities, to end period poverty. The participants were also empowered with knowledge on the proper use of hygiene products during menstruation and reducing stigma as well as stereotypes toward young people living with disabilities.

Speaking at the training, the Executive Director of South Sudan Child and Women Deaf Organization, who is also Miss Deaf Africa Josephine Kiden said that the training was very important for the people living with disabilities as it broadened their knowledge on how to make reusable menstrual pads by themselves and use them to generate income by selling them at cheaper prices. ”It has also given me a chance of becoming a Trainer Of Trainers on Menstrual Hygiene Management for other young people living with disabilities in different communities. I am happy and I request UNFPA and AFriYAN South Sudan to establish a local-made sanitary pads production line at the Buluk School of the Persons with Hearing Impairment because the primary school already trained them in sewing” she adds.