by Subasri Krishnarajan Anbuchelvan
On Saturday, May 25, 2024, thirteen Batch 20 MBBS students from the Faculty of Medicine (FoM) attended an event focused on menstrual health, organised by local women’s welfare advocates Perak Women for Women (PWW) Society in collaboration with All Women’s Action Society (AWAM). This Training of Trainers session was held in conjunction with AWAM’s Haid Jangan Hide (HJH) Campaign.
According to the PWW, the workshop aimed to cultivate a “cadre of proficient instructors, to share information about period hygiene and period poverty among Malaysians” and “erase the cultural stigma that prevents girls and women from seeking help.”
The session began with an informative presentation about menstruation, the various products available for menstrual hygiene, and common myths and facts surrounding menstruation.
Following the presentation, we participated in an interactive workshop where we had the opportunity to sew reusable pads. The organisers provided all the necessary materials, including a template to cut the fabric. We were instructed to align the fabric with the template, pin it in place, and then begin sewing. After completing the sewing, we cut out the pads and finished the edges, attaching buttons to the flaps for secure usage.
This activity highlighted how reusable pads can benefit women, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to commercial products. A single t-shirt can be repurposed to create ten reusable pads, providing a valuable resource for those who might otherwise have to prioritize essential food items over menstrual products.
The workshop was an exciting experience for everyone, especially for those sewing for the first time. We left with a sense of accomplishment and a desire to share this newfound skill with others, understanding the significant impact it could have on women’s lives.
