PeriodPals

CARVE Africa provides stimulating menstrual health workshops that encompass reproductive health topics such as anatomy and the menstrual cycle. These sessions also offer comprehensive guidance on using menstrual cups and provide ongoing support and feedback for 6-12 months after participants receive their cups. Our program aims to break down the stigmas around women’s health, promote bodily autonomy, dispel harmful gender practices and health myths, and create a safe space for women to discuss their concerns and challenges. In parallel with these workshops, we also engage boys and men in the community to improve their understanding of menstrual health, enabling them to better support the women in their lives. We establish relationships with youth clubs, community groups, and schools to initiate behavioral changes that contribute to gender equality. Boys and men have traditionally been excluded from discussions on gender equity, and CARVE Africa seeks to change this. In Malawi, men often act as gatekeepers to women’s health, so including them is crucial for achieving reproductive freedom, choice, and safety for everyone.

We are currently engaged in corporate social responsibility initiatives with the private sector, strengthening our partnership with UNFPA following our selection as a new Implementing Partner. We are also receiving funding from The Cova Project based in Australia, along with individual donations. These diverse funding sources have allowed us to reduce our dependency on fundraising alone and instead focus on partnerships and growth within Malawi. Additionally, we are in the process of hiring a grant writer to secure unrestricted funds.