UDP Internacional

29 June 2023

During the activity, our first International Ambassador delivered and instructed on how to make reusable sanitary napkins, in addition to giving a talk on sexual health aimed at girls and adolescents.

The first International Ambassador of the Faculty of Health and Dentistry of the Diego Portales University, Laura Corrotea, delivered reusable pads to two schools in Kamonkoli (Uganda), in addition to giving an informative talk about the menstrual cycle, hormonal changes and contraception with two midwife volunteers.

Before embarking on the trip and once her participation in volunteering was confirmed, Laura along with her friend Sofía wondered how they could bring more help to the women of the city in eastern Uganda, so they contacted Ema, who is in charge of the MOGHU organization, to find out what they needed.

“It would be of great help to buy reusable pads for girls and young mothers, since this is a factor that contributes to girls dropping out of school, some of whom are subjected to the sex trade in exchange for money to provide themselves with sanitary napkins during their menstruation periods” , replied the organizer.

At the request, and thanks to donations received by both Laura and Sofía, both bought 150 reusable sanitary towels to deliver to the girls and adolescents in the community, after giving the talk on sexual and reproductive health. “It was a very beautiful and sad moment at the same time, since despite having brought a large number of towels, they were not enough for everyone, and around 10 girls were left without their pads. It broke my heart when I realized that the help had not been enough”, recalls Laura.

After experiencing this complex situation, the fifth-year UDP Nursing student made the decision, together with the other volunteers, to buy all the necessary supplies to teach them how to make reusable towels, since it is a more accessible and sustainable option over time.

“We put a video on YouTube, we sat down on the grass with everything we needed and we started. In the march we were joined by more women from the community and we helped each other in the learning process: it was a beautiful moment. The goal was successfully achieved, and the next mission is to hold workshops in schools so that girls can learn and have the chance to do it on their own”, says the future nurse.