FRISCO, TEXAS — More than 500 million women globally lack adequate access to menstrual products. Despite these statistics, many aren’t aware of how severe period poverty is in developing countries. 

To elaborate, this deficit in products throughout these countries results in one out of every 10 menstruating students missing school because of their cycle. Furthermore, the stigma and lack of education regarding feminine hygiene hinders women from being able to properly tend to their menstrual needs.

Due to these various issues, Freshman Sirihaasa “Siri” Saravanan created the club Sew for Hope at Centennial High School to spread awareness and support women in need.

“[Our club] makes reusable menstrual products for women living in rural or underdeveloped areas,” Saravanan explains. “We make them to raise awareness and to show everyone that period poverty is a very serious problem.”

The menstrual products are made during club meetings. Members trim fabric and sew together menstrual pads—hence the club name Sew for Hope. 

“I love the purpose of this club. It makes me feel great knowing that I help all these girls,” states Vice President Hansika Reddi. “[They] won’t have to count pennies to use menstrual products anymore.”

Though members are passionate, starting the club was not easy. 

“There were definitely some challenges, because we first had to find places that would accept [our] pads,” Saravanan says. “Many people also don’t really understand the club’s process, mission, or goals.”

Despite these difficulties, Saravanan stays determined: 

“I want everybody to know that period poverty is a serious issue in our society. Join Sew for Hope to help millions of girls all around the world!”

Interested students can join the Remind classroom using the code cen10sfh. They can also follow the club on Instagram at sewforhope_cen10. Meetings take place every Thursday before school in classroom B205, from 8:25 a.m. to 8:50 a.m.