Banbury woman makes reusable sanitary towels in effort to combat period poverty

With young girls regularly having to miss school as a result of not being able to afford hygiene products, Stella felt that this was an issue which could not be ignored.

After experiencing this problem first-hand when growing up, Stella is determined to prevent young girls from having to go through the same thing today.

With the help of a few local residents, she has made the products out of old umbrellas, blankets, duvet covers and shower curtains, as well as other materials she has bought herself.

Stella said: “It really moved my heart to hear that a girl can miss school just because of her period.

“It results in girls not being able to finish their education because they have to miss classes every month.

“Even if I can change one girl’s life or experience at a time, it’s worth it.”

Stella hopes to distribute the items at a school in Lusaka, Zambia when she visits later this month for her daughter’s wedding.

She describes herself as a keen sewer and has previously made masks for her family friends during the coronavirus pandemic.

Stella hopes to continue making more sanitary towels for women who are incarcerated when she returns from her visit in July.

She is keen for others to get involved in the project so she can eventually form her own foundation.

Stella added: “I want to spread the word and make people aware of this need – we have to work together.”