Our #PeriodGiving Story: Transforming Lives with Skills for Change. Skills for Change is a social project under Einstein Rising in partnership with Malaika4wc Vzw dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities in Uganda.
Through vocational training, reproductive health education, and entrepreneurial support, we work to uplift youth, women, and people with disabilities. One of our core initiatives is addressing menstrual poverty by producing and distributing Laiki Pads, reusable sanitary pads handmade by trainees in our tailoring program. To amplify the work, we launched the ‘Omukyala Campaign: Cycle of Care’, an initiative designed to raise awareness and funds for menstrual equity.
The campaign focuses on supporting vulnerable women and girls by ensuring they have access to affordable and sustainable menstrual products. We also partnered with local organizations directly involved with women and girls in urban slums and rural schools i.e. Namuwongo, Banda & Salaama. We managed to donate over 2500 pads to them. This wasn’t just about providing menstrual products- it was about restoring dignity and breaking the silence around menstruation.
During these events, we also held educational sessions to challenge harmful myths and encourage open conversations about menstrual health. Andrea, one of our key beneficiaries from Uganda Hands for Hope shared that after receiving her pads, she hasn’t missed a day at school. She also mentioned she gave one of her packs to her mother who also loved them.
Her words were a reminder that period giving is about ensuring girls like Andrea have a fair chance at education and a brighter future. The women in our program, many of whom come from vulnerable backgrounds, have found not only a livelihood but also a purpose. By making Laiki Pads, they are directly impacting lives while gaining the skills and confidence to build their own futures. Through storytelling, we hope to inspire others to join us in the fight for menstrual equity and justice.
