Yako:The Office for the Development of Evangelical Churches (ODEE) held a practical workshop on November 7, 2026, to teach 75 adolescent girls the skills to produce reusable sanitary napkins. The participants, members of children's clubs from schools in Arbollé, Gomponsom, and Kirsi communes, engaged in this initiative to enhance empowerment and improve menstrual hygiene management.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the training, supported by the Béo-Neeré Project and funded by the ERIKS organization, took place simultaneously across the three communes with 25 girls in Arbollé, 24 in Gomponsom, and 26 in Kirsi. The workshop focused on equipping girls with practical skills for making affordable menstrual hygiene products, thereby contributing to better management of menstrual health.

The program included five main modules covering essential menstrual hygiene concepts, necessary materials and equipment, manufacturing techniques, usage and maintenance of reusable pads, and empowerment through knowledge sharing. In Arbollé, trainers from the Poug Yolemdé association led the sessions, with Marie Taniagou highlighting the initiative's goal of enabling girls and women to create sanitary products from accessible materials.

The training process requires cotton, waterproof, and absorbent fabrics, along with basic sewing tools. Participants learned to trace, cut, and sew the components into reusable napkins. The trainers emphasized the importance of proper product maintenance and encouraged participants to disseminate the acquired skills within their communities.

Roukiétou Dera, a third-grade student, expressed her appreciation for the training. She acknowledged the quality of the knowledge gained and committed to sharing it with her peers. This initiative aims to empower girls, promote menstrual hygiene, and alleviate access challenges to sanitary protection in schools.

Source Burkina Information Agency