Sew reusable menstrual pads for refugees and other vulnerable people suffering from period poverty around the world
Hosted by: The Pachamama Project
Opportunity Description: The Pachamama Project is a charity growing a network of volunteers to sew reusable menstrual pads for refugees and vulnerable people around the world. Our mission is to relieve global period poverty, break down the menstrual stigma , promote sustainable periods and build community. We offer a zero-commitment volunteering opportunity to people sew from home or to create their own sewing groups. Anyone with some spare time and access to a sewing machine can participate. We also encourage schools and craft clubs to set up Pacha Clubs. Since founding in 2020, we have distributed more than 120,000 pads to people in Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Pakistan, South Sudan, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, USA and here in the UK. UK-made pads are sent to HQ in Essex from where we send the pads to established distribution partners around the world who also deliver menstrual health and hygiene education along with the pads. Instructions and templates are provided and fabric can be provided on request. The pads last five years and provide dignity and keep girls in school.
Type of Activity: Art & Design
Areas of Interest: Arts & Crafts, Poverty, Race, Ethnicity & Refugees, Women's Groups, Youth
Skills: Practical
Who we are looking for: anyone with some spare time and access to a sewing machine
Requirements:
Suitable for: Employee Volunteers, Micro, Indoors, School Students, Family, Long Term Commitment, Groups, People with Restricted Memory, From Home, University Students, From Your Office, People Seeking Work, With Friends, Short Term Commitment, Older People
Practical considerations: can safely operate a sewing machine
Recruitment method: Application Form
Disabled Access details: n/a
Expenses details: Fabric can be provided on request and postage of pads reimbursed.
Any Age/Gender restrictions: Deemed competent and safe to operate a sewing machine
Induction Arrangments: By email: instructions and templates including video instructions.
Insurance Cover: Volunteer insurance
Support Available: Other volunteers; HQ when requested
We have an active closed Facebook Group for volunteers to communicate and share tips and resources.
We have regional WhatsApp groups that volunteers can join for support and shared tips and resources.
We have an active closed Facebook Group for volunteers to communicate and share tips and resources.
We have regional WhatsApp groups that volunteers can join for support and shared tips and resources.
Training: The instructions are very clear but we are always on hand to organise one-to-one help online or by phone when needed. It's a very supportive community of volunteers.