Sew-A-Thon strives to benefit girls across the globe

CEDAR RAPIDS - A dozen women chatted above the soft hum of their sewing machines Saturday afternoon. Despite knowing they'll never see the young women who will own the products of their labor, the seamstresses were hopeful their needlework would make an impact.

They were among more than 60 participants who gathered at Cedar Hills Community Church, 6455 E Ave. NW, for Cedar Rapids' first Sew-A-Thon to put together feminine hygiene kits for girls in South Africa. The event is part of a global effort spearheaded by Days for Girls, an international non-profit organization.

The lack of proper feminine products isn't just a hygienic issue, said Paula Blessman, co-leader of the Days for Girls Cedar Rapids group, but also can affect gender equality and education.

Young women without feminine products often stay home from school for three to five days during their menstrual cycle. The absences add up, causing them to quickly fall behind and drop out of school.

Blessman, of Amana, said it's a subject a lot of communities in need and organizations providing aid don't consider.

'It's not talked about so people don't realize that's why girls are getting behind in school and they're at such a disadvantage,” she said.

In the absence of modern products, women use corn husks, leaves, rocks or other unhygienic supplies during their cycles.

The project's participants made roughly 350 kits, which will be delivered to women in Sekgakgapeng, a village three hours north of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Each kit includes a drawstring bag that contains gallon-size Ziploc freeze bags, multiple absorbent tri-fold pads, a pair of underwear, travel-size soap, moisture barrier shields, a washcloth and instructions. The reusable pads last up to three years.

The Cedar Rapids chapter partnered with Urbandale-based Blessman Ministries. The organization takes several trips each year to help communities throughout South Africa.

Beth Blessman, vice president and founder of Blessman Ministries, along with a team of volunteers, will leave with the kits Sunday. Beth Blessman, Paula's sister, said a team will teach the women how to use the kits. She's excited to see firsthand the kits' impact.

'(Women) will use anything they can (during their periods), and when they don't have anything they tend to miss school, especially in rural areas,” Blessman said.

The Cedar Rapids chapter launched in July, and Iowa City established a group soon after. There also is a chapter in Des Moines.

Paula Blessman said the kits will keep girls in the classroom and earning an education, one of the main goals behind Days for Girls. The international organization has delivered 100,000 kits to women in more than 70 countries

'I was surprised that these things we take for granted are a barrier for girls learning. Education is such a door opener that this (project) is such a small thing we can do to help young women and make a difference,” said Cedar Rapids resident and participant Beth Brockette.