ONGWEDIVA – Debmarine Namibia and the Ongula Homestead Skills and Technical Education Academy joined forces to provide clothing production training to 10 young San women.
The group comprises women from the Kavango East, Kavango West and Otjozondjupa regions. The young women are out-of-school youth, and were chosen to undergo training in clothing production.
The project was launched in April. Ten young women were diligently trained over three months, and emerged as successful graduates.
Debmarine Namibia supported the pilot project with an investment of N$200 000.
Information deputy minister Emma Theofelus said the training plays a significant role in empowering and dignifying those who lack options.
“While initially hesitant about washable sanitary pads, I acknowledge the vital role they play in addressing period poverty, a reality which is faced by many girls who lack access to basic menstrual products,” she added.
Theofelus said the government’s decision to eliminate taxes on sanitary pads also marks a step forward in ensuring they are affordable and accessible to all women and girls.
The deputy minister applauded Debmarine and the Ongula Homestead Skills and Technical Education Academy for their collaborative efforts in implementing the transformative pilot project.
Senior communications officer at Debmarine Anna Ikela noted that the project is not only equipping young graduates with valuable skills and knowledge, but aims to eradicate period poverty in the country at large.
“The graduates are now prepared not only to contribute to their own well-being, but also to serve their communities when they return home, armed with essential skills in sewing, basic computer literacy and entrepreneurship,” she said.
The trainees accomplished the goals of the project by creating 529 sanitary pads, 10 school uniforms for girls, and 20 pieces for boys.
They also designed their own graduation dresses.
The trainees each received sewing machines and materials to create 20 sanitary dignity kits, and five shopping bags.
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