Report on soap making & reusable sanitary pads training.

 REPORT ON SOAP MAKING AND REUSABLE SANITARY PAD TRAINING BY GID Africa COMMUNITY OUTREACH. 

Date of Training: [8TH AND 29thTH MARCH 2025]

Venue: Kiti Village, Lyna Infant P/S Compound, Lukaya, Kalungu District

Organized by: Girl Impact Dynamic Africa (GID Africa)

Facilitators: [Sharon Mutesi , OC children department lukaya police station ,Kemirembe Mariam, Leila basoola] Participants: [30] women and [150] girls from the community 

1. Introduction 

As part of GID Africa’s mission to empower women and girls through skills development and menstrual health education, a hands-on training session was conducted on soap making and reusable sanitary pad production. The initiative aimed to equip participants with practical skills for economic empowerment while addressing menstrual health challenges in underprivileged communities. 

2. Objectives of the Training 

 To equip women and girls with soap-making skills for income generation and home use. 

 To train participants on producing reusable sanitary pads as a sustainable menstrual health solution. 

 To promote economic self-reliance, hygiene, and environmental sustainability. 

3. Training Activities 

A. Soap Making Training 

The soap-making session included: 

1. Introduction to Soap Making: Overview of different types of soap and their benefits. 

2. Ingredients and Measurements: Participants learned about key ingredients such as caustic soda, oils, fragrances, and colorants. 

3. Mixing and Production: A step-by-step demonstration on mixing ingredients, molding, and curing soap. 

4. Packaging and Marketing: Participants received guidance on branding, packaging, and selling soap as a business venture. 

B. Reusable Sanitary Pad Training 

This session covered: 

1. Understanding Menstrual Hygiene: Discussion on menstrual health, period stigma, and the importance of reusable pads. 

2. Materials Needed: Introduction to absorbent fabrics, waterproof layers, and stitching techniques. 

3. Step-by-Step Pad Making: Practical training on cutting, sewing, and assembling reusable pads. 

4. Usage and Maintenance: Education on washing, drying, and proper storage to ensure hygiene and longevity. 

 VALUABLE LESSONS LEARNT BY GID Africa’s TEAM 

. Economic Empowerment Works 

 Training in income-generating skills like soap-making enables women and girls to earn a living, promoting financial independence and reducing economic vulnerability. 

 The skills offer an alternative source of income, especially for women in underserved communities. 

. Menstrual Health Management is Key to Education & Dignity 

 Teaching girls to make reusable pads reduces their dependency on expensive disposable pads, helping them stay in school and maintain their dignity. 

 Knowledge of proper menstrual hygiene helps fight period poverty and health risks like infections. 

. Community Engagement Strengthens Impact 

 Involving community members in training creates awareness and support for menstrual health and women’s empowerment. 

 Encouraging male involvement in menstrual education reduces stigma and fosters a more inclusive environment. 

. Sustainability is Essential 

 The use of locally available materials in soap and pad production ensures the initiative remains cost-effective and sustainable. 

 Encouraging entrepreneurship through small-scale production and sales makes the project self-sustaining rather than donation-dependent. 

. Skills Training Boosts Confidence & Leadership 

 Girls and women gain confidence and a sense of self-worth by learning practical skills. 

 Some participants emerge as trainers and leaders, empowering more women in the community. 

. Collaboration Enhances Growth 

 Partnerships with schools, NGOs, and local authorities strengthen the impact and reach of the project. 

 Access to markets for handmade products (like soap and reusable pads) is crucial for long-term sustainability 

4. Impact and Outcomes 

 Skill Development: Women and girls gained hands-on skills in soap making and reusable pad production. 

 Income Generation: Participants can now produce and sell soap and reusable pads to improve their livelihoods. 

 Menstrual Health Improvement: The training provided an affordable and sustainable alternative to disposable pads, reducing period poverty. 

 Environmental Benefits: Encouraging the use of reusable pads reduces menstrual waste and promotes eco-friendly practices. 

5. Challenges Faced 

 Limited availability of startup materials for mass production. 

 Some participants required additional sewing practice. 

 Need for follow-up support and mentorship. 

6. Recommendations 

 Provide startup kits with essential materials for trainees to begin production. 

 Conduct refresher training sessions to reinforce learning. 

 Establish market linkages for soap and reusable pads to ensure economic sustainability. 

 Expand the program to reach more communities affected by period poverty. 

7. Conclusion 

The soap making and reusable sanitary pad training was a great success, equipping women and girls with valuable skills for economic empowerment and menstrual health management. GID Africa remains committed to supporting underprivileged communities with sustainable solutions to improve livelihoods and promote gender equality. 

Prepared by: Kawalya Sharifu GID Africa

Location: Kiti Village, Lyna Infant P/S Compound, Lukaya, Kalungu District

Date: 31st .march. 2025