WORKSHOPS are taking place in Llandrindod Wells to make reusable menstrual pads to take to The Gambia in March: a country where many girls miss out on education due to their monthly cycle.

Katja Stevens, who runs the business enterprise Hwgga Studios, wants to help combat period poverty in The Gambia after having visited the African county before. She’s teamed up with Llandrindod-based Mama’s Moon Pads and the charity GOAL for The Gambia to make and distribute the pads for when she goes over in March this year.

Katja said that receiving one of the reusable pads could be a real “game changer” for women and girls in The Gambia.

“A lot of the girls cannot afford period products so they stay at home for their entire period. They miss up to 20 per cent of school because the products are financially out of their reach,” she said.

“It will mean so much to people. It will be life changing. These pads can last five years. It will allow girls to stay in school.”

Sandy Sanyang, the founder and trustee of GOAL for The Gambia, said: “Period poverty is a huge problem for girls and women in The Gambia, especially in the rural areas. The cost of sanitary wear is prohibitively expensive for many and girls will miss school during their periods.

“For the women, they make do with old cloths which then get burnt. While we do get donations of single use sanitary towels the reusable ones are much better for them and for the environment. Reusable pads have a long life span and when we have had them in the past the feedback from the women is very positive.

“Women have little choice when it comes to sanitary wear and when it is a choice between buying sanitary towels or feeding their families it is obvious what they would choose.”

Moon Pad workshops will take place for people to learn to make pads for themselves as well for those in need in The Gambia.

Sewing machines are provided and three people will be on hand to help. You can also bring your own lunch along.

The sessions will take place on: Saturday, January 12, Saturday, February 9 and Saturday March 9, from 10am til 4pm. The address is Hwgga Studios, 6 Park Crescent.