Community sewing initiative tackles period poverty through skills training

A community-based initiative in Petaling Jaya is addressing period poverty by equipping women with practical sewing skills to produce reusable sanitary pads, offering a longer-term solution to recurring menstrual hygiene costs faced by underserved families.

The programme, titled “Empowering Women for Sustainability: Skills Development and Training in Reusable Sanitary Pad Production”, was launched through a collaboration between Taylor’s University’s Eradicating Poverty Impact Lab, the Rotary E-Club of One Kuala Lumpur and the Rotary Club of Kajang.

The initiative was developed following engagement sessions with residents of Flat PKNS Taman Dato’ Harun, where women highlighted the financial burden of purchasing sanitary pads regularly. While sanitary products typically cost between RM10 and RM12 per pack, organisers said the expense can place added strain on low-income households already managing daily necessities such as rent, groceries, transport and school expenses.

Rather than relying solely on the distribution of sanitary products, the programme focused on helping women produce reusable alternatives for their own households.

Ten women from the community participated in the training sessions, many of whom had never operated a sewing machine before. Participants learned how to select suitable fabrics, cut patterns and sew reusable sanitary pads through a series of hands-on workshops conducted at the community hall.

Organisers said the sessions gradually evolved beyond technical training into a collaborative support space where participants exchanged experiences and encouraged one another throughout the learning process.

By the end of the pilot programme, participants had collectively produced 1,000 reusable sanitary pads. The pads, when properly maintained, can last for up to a year, potentially reducing long-term household expenses associated with menstrual hygiene products.

The sewing machines used during the training were also left at the community hall to allow participants to continue producing pads independently and potentially explore small-scale sewing opportunities for additional income.

Programme encourages open conversations on menstrual health

Beyond financial considerations, organisers said the initiative also aimed to address social stigma surrounding menstruation and menstrual hygiene.

Training sessions provided opportunities for women to openly discuss menstrual health, ask questions and clarify misconceptions in an environment described as supportive and judgement-free.

One participant shared that she previously felt anxious each month about managing expenses related to her daughters’ menstrual needs, but said the programme had helped her feel more prepared and less worried.

Mimi Zairol Binti Mohamad Nor, Head of Persatuan Warisan Kraf Wanita at PKNS Taman Dato’ Harun, said the initiative had strengthened community ties among participants.

“This initiative brought the women in our community together. They learned new skills, shared experiences, and realised that they are not facing these challenges alone. When women support one another, the whole community becomes stronger,” she said.

Organisers said the positive response from participants and community leaders has encouraged plans to expand the initiative to other underserved communities in the future.

Dr Sharala Subramaniam, a member of Taylor’s University’s Eradicating Poverty Impact Lab, said the programme demonstrated how practical and community-driven solutions could help address period poverty while promoting dignity, self-reliance and empowerment among women.