Pad a Girl Initiative and STEM Outreach Events
Program Overview
The PAD A GIRL initiative aims to reduce stigma and limitations associated with menstruation for improved education and to bridge the gap in quality STEM education for students (10-18 years old) in underserved schools in Zambia. iLEAD Foundation organizes hands-on training where the girls learn how to produce reusable sanitary pads using locally available materials. Each participant receives a menstrual health education and a reusable sanitary pad kit, ensuring immediate relief and long term self- reliance.
Empowering Girls at PANGWE Secondary School with reusable sanitary pad kit
Empowering Girls at MWAPONA Compound with reusable sanitary pad kit
Awareness talks on menstrual hygiene (left) and empowering girls with sanitary pad kit (right) at PATASI Primary School
STEM Career Talk (left) and empowering girls with sanitary kits (right) at PATASI primary school
We deliver practical STEM outreach events to foster innovation, critical thinking and career interest in STEM fields among the students. We introduce the girls to the power of Robotics, 3D printing, STEM career talks from industry professionals, speed networking and science quiz competitions.
Empowering girls with sanitary kits
Children empowered with school tablets
Girls learning how to make reusable sanitary pads
Through its work, PAD A GIRL Initiative and STEM Career events contributes directly to key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-including No Poverty, Good Health and Wellbeing, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Partnership for the Goals while re-imagining African education as a driver of prosperity, sustainability, and community flourishing