Freedom To Learn
Project Overview
Title: Freedom to Learn for Girls in Rural Malawi – Addressing the Menstruation Barrier
Duration: April 2022 - March 2023
Geographical Coverage: Kabuthu Education Zone, Lilongwe District, Malawi
Funding Partners: Fund for Innovation and Transformation (FIT), Manitoba Council for International Cooperation (MCIC).
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
5 (Gender Equality); 3 (Good Health and Well-Being); 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure); 10 (Reduced Inequalities); 4 (Quality Education); 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
Ultimate Goal & Vision
Freedom to Learn envisions a world where no girl misses school because of her period. The project’s ultimate goal is to ensure that all girls, regardless of income, location, or social stigma, can manage menstruation with dignity and confidence. By breaking down the barriers that periods pose to education, Freedom to Learn is helping build a future where girls lead, learn, and thrive.
Why It Matters
In rural Malawi, too many girls miss class each month and eventually drop out of school simply because they lack access to menstrual hygiene materials or face stigma around menstruation. This quiet crisis undermines girls’ education, self-worth, and long-term opportunities.
CPAR tackles this head-on by providing girls with reusable sanitary materials and training them and their mothers to make pads, while promoting menstrual hygiene education and community outreach to reduce stigma among girls, parents, boys, teachers, and community leaders. The project doesn’t just solve a health issue — it restores dignity, empowers families, and transforms communities.
Because menstruation should never stand in the way of a girl's right to learn.
Key Objectives
01
Reduce school absenteeism and dropout caused by menstruation-related challenges
02
Increase knowledge and awareness of menstrual health management to improve girls' wellbeing and reduce stigma
03
Equip schools with ongoing support systems, including trained MHM counselors and stocked sanitary supplies
Impact & Achievements
-
School absenteeism due to menstruation dropped from 70% to 14%.
-
83.2% of girls now use reusable sanitary pads, up from 26%.
-
60% of trained girls are actively producing pads, ensuring ongoing access and skills transfer.
-
97% of girls now feel comfortable attending school during menstruation.
-
94.4% of girls report improved access to education due to menstrual health support.
-
80% of boys scored over 75% on menstrual health knowledge, reducing bullying and stigma.
-
4 schools equipped with sewing machines; pads now sold locally to sustain production.
-
Over 3,000 reusable pads and 580 menstrual cups distributed to girls, teachers, and community women.
Get Involved!
You can help keep girls in school and break the stigma around menstruation:
✅ Donate – Support the continued production and distribution of reusable menstrual products.
✅ Partner – Work with CPAR to scale up this innovation across other schools and regions.
✅ Advocate – Share the message, challenge taboos, and promote period equity in your community.
✅ Stay Informed – Follow us on social media to see how your support changes lives.
Let’s build a future where periods don’t pause potential.
Stories of Change
“We used to have a long queue waiting for someone to come out from a latrine due to inadequate sanitary facilities at our school.”
At Nthabza and Mchoka Primary Schools, inadequate sanitation once hindered students' education and dignity. Students like Jean are finally experiencing safe, private, and accessible sanitation, thanks to CPAR supporters like you.
“At one point, I tore apart my winter jacket to use the wool for my period...”
Education shouldn’t be a luxury.
In rural Malawi, CPAR is helping girls overcome the barriers that keep them out of school, giving them the freedom to learn and thrive.