The Gender Club

Hadia is the gender club coordinator and English teacher in Arado school. She was instrumental in establishing the gender club with 80 members including boys.

In 2022, we contributed a sewing machine and provided training to 18 girls and boys in crafting reusable hygiene items for girls at the Arado school. With our financial backing, the gender club successfully produced 150 pairs of pants and 300 pads for 150 girls by the year's end. Looking ahead, we aim to extend our support by acquiring two sewing machines for the other two schools in Simbile and Berga.

The gender club provides a modest space for girls to rest during their menstruation at school. Unfortunately, this small makeshift resting area lacks running water, proper mattresses, and a fan, especially in temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius. In response, PIE has stepped in to install a shower and fan, as well as added sheets to the bare mattresses, to enhance the comfort of the room for girls experiencing discomfort.

The gender clubs in each of the three elementary schools are dedicated to fostering awareness about gender equality, preventing early-age and forced marriages, and addressing the unique needs of girls within both the school and the broader community. This mission is advanced through organized events, including celebrations for International Women's Day and community meetings.

Annually on March 8th, we sponsor the International Women's Day celebration at the school under the "My Sister's Keeper" project, known as "የእህቴ ጠባቂ" (meaning "Guardian of My Sister"), aimed at fostering community awareness through speeches, poems, dramas, and the recognition of girls and women with awards.

The education on gender issues has significantly transformed the awareness of girls, resulting in a noticeable increase in self-confidence among them. This positive shift is evident as more girls actively engage in various leadership roles within the school.