An event to mark International Women’s Day by making reusable sanitary towels for children in remote villages in Africa was well supported last Wednesday.

The Comet: Students from Preston's Princess Helena College got involved in making kit bags for children in remote African villages.Students from Preston's Princess Helena College got involved in making kit bags for children in remote African villages. (Image: Archant)

The event at Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre on Lytton Way was organised by a group in the town known as the United Women’s Forum and more than 60 people – including students and teachers from Princess Helena College in Preston – turned out to help.

Organiser Brenda Lowe explained how many African children are currently missing school when they have their periods because they have no sanitary products.

Volunteers used a template from charity Days for Girls to create makeshift sanitary towels which can be washed and reworn and should last up to three years.

Brenda said: “The sewing day was a great success. We made reusable sanitary towels and pretty kits for girls in remote parts of the world so they can continue with their education.

“We would like to thank everyone who took part on the day and those who donated materials.”

Sherma Batson – a long-serving member of Stevenage Borough Council who died after collapsing last month aged 59 – championed equality and was regularly involved in International Women’s Day. Her daughter, Ayesha, gave half the money left in her mother’s budget to help resource the event.

Brenda said: “Ayesha was there to honour Sherma’s legacy, as Sherma had always supported the activities taking place in Stevenage to celebrate International Women’s Day.”

A representative from Days for Girls collected the kits and is also interested in setting up a sewing group in Stevenage or Letchworth, to regularly make sanitary kits. Anyone interested in getting involved can call Brenda on 01438 860363.