Jojo Seme graduates!
At CRESS UK, we believe helping women and girls to stay in school and employment is one of the biggest ways to improve their lives. Menstrual healthcare remains a barrier to health, education and dignity in Kerwa and Wandi sub‑counties. Often, without the appropriate resources, girls miss up to 11% more school days than boys just because of their periods. Parents may take their daughters out of school or allow them to marry at a young age rather than continue to pay school fees.
Disposable menstrual products are often unaffordable or unavailable; CRESS offers ReUsable Menstrual Pads (RUMPs) training for a sustainable and low‑cost alternative, which enables women and girls to work and learn. It also creates an opportunity for local income generation.
The training combines short theory sessions on menstrual health with practical sewing workshops, return demonstrations and quality checks. Each trainee produced one hand‑sewn RUMP during the workshop and left with that item. The participants also left with knowledge that they will share with their communities. This allows for cross-generational education, widespread understanding of the mestrual cycle, and informed and empowered women with the skills to produce sustainable periodwear.
In 2025, 138 women and girls took part in our RUMPs workshops. Our last 3-day training workshop took place June 2026; trainers saw 60+ women every day.
"My name is Adede Grace. Before this training I did not understand the female reproductive system or the details of menstruation. The sessions on puberty, menstrual hygiene and care opened my eyes — I now understand why these changes happen and how to manage them safely and with dignity... After the practical sessions and return demonstrations I can now cut, assemble and hand‑sew a reusable menstrual pad... This pad will protect me, and the skill I learned gives me hope that I can make more for sale once I have materials. With a little support, women like me can turn this skill into income, improve menstrual health in our communities and become role models for our girls."
"I thank the [RUMPs] trainers for their clear and comprehensive teaching — from puberty and bodily changes through to relationships and marriage. The health education sessions delivered by the community nurse were particularly valuable and we are already seeing positive signs in the community... In Kerwa we face many challenges: high rates of teenage pregnancy, single motherhood and substance abuse. Too often parents are afraid to discuss puberty with their children and school time alone is not enough... There is a clear need for community training and teaching, and for practical support so women can turn skills into income... Be our ambassadors — use your new skills and knowledge to transform families and protect our girls." - Mr. Lomundu John Elias, Leadership Committee Chairperson, Kerwa Sub‑County speaking to participants
For more information on RUMPs and our other healthcare projects, please get in touch here.
