Freedom to Learn: How Girls in Rural Malawi Are Reclaiming Their Education

From April 2022 to March 2023, CPAR’s Freedom to Learn for Girls in Rural Malawi project reached four schools in the Kabuthu Education Zone with one clear goal: help girls stay in school by tackling one of the most overlooked barriers to education — menstruation. The project provided girls with reusable pads and menstrual cups, taught them and their mothers how to make their own, and delivered community-wide education on menstrual hygiene. In doing so, it helped dismantle stigma, restore confidence, and give girls the tools to thrive in school.

For 13-year-old Olivia (name changed) from Kabuthu Education Zone, adolescence arrived with confidence — not fear. “I have had a wonderful transition into adolescence because my period started at a time when CPAR Malawi was already implementing menstrual hygiene interventions,” she shared. Olivia had received education and support before her first period through pre-adolescent health talks. “I can confirm that periods are not affecting my education in any way. The project removed my fears and gave me hope — I feel that I’ve had a beautiful transition because help was already in place even before I needed it.”

Girl cutting the material to fabricate reusable pads

Faith (name changed), 15, had a very different beginning. She had already been menstruating for over two years when the project began — two years marked by shame, pain, and a lack of support. Her parents couldn’t afford pads or soap, and she lacked privacy both at home and school. “At one point, I tore apart my winter jacket to use the wool for my period,” she recalled. After being mocked at school for soiling her uniform, Faith began missing school every month, and her grades dropped significantly. “Her absenteeism and declining performance were noticeable,” explained her teacher counselor.

Through the project, Faith received reusable pads, a menstrual cup, and training in how to sew her own pads — skills she now teaches to others. She’s also become a vocal advocate against menstrual bullying. With renewed dignity and reliable MHM support, she no longer misses school and now ranks among the top ten in her class. The MHM health talks helped Faith understand that menstruation is not a disease, but a natural process and with this, her confidence grew, and she sees herself achieving her dreams of becoming a nurse one day. For Faith, the future is now bright. “My education is going well now, and I will continue teaching others the skills I’ve gained from this project,” she says.

For Olivia, Faith, and countless others, this project did more than improve menstrual hygiene — it transformed how they see themselves, their education, and their future. With dignity restored and support in place, these girls are no longer held back by a natural part of life.

Group of mothers learning how to design and cut reusable pads

CPAR is committed to bringing Freedom to Learn to even more schools across Malawi. With your support, we can ensure that no girl misses school because of her period. Donate today and help change a girl’s story — and future.