It’s been a lovely, energetic Wednesday for this spirited African girl — a heart full of purpose, hands full of work, and a room full of vibrant energy. Today wasn’t just another day for her or the Yorkits team. It was something special.
Video on demand
Guests arrived — a group of young, eager engineers — full of curiosity and technical skill. But there was something striking: a 99% gender gap. Just one young woman stood among a sea of boys. And yet, what unfolded was deeply touching — young men cutting sensitive fabrics for women's hygiene kits, gently ironing them, sewing with care.
This is what we call gender-sensitive training in motion — real, hands-on empathy being built, one stitch at a time.
The Yorkits workshop was a joyful buzz of activity. A whole range of tasks brought everyone together — using templates to cut bags, pads, and pad pockets, guiding fabric under sewing machines with focus and care, ironing between stages, hand-sewing press studs, and finally, assembling complete kits once every piece was perfectly placed.
It wasn’t just work. It was vibrant collaboration, bright smiles, and shared purpose. The room glowed with intention. It wasn’t just about making kits — it was about making a difference.
At Yorkits, every stitch tells a story — of dignity, inclusion, and the quiet power of community. And on this shining Wednesday, that story came alive. 🌸
Stitching for a Better World — One Kit at a Time 🌍
The work done by the Yorkits team goes far beyond sewing — it directly contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, to SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, and SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, these kits help girls stay in school, manage menstruation with dignity, and foster conversations that challenge stigma.
And by involving boys and men in this traditionally "female" space, Yorkits advances SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities — proving that empathy, when taught and practiced, can break barriers and build a future where everyone, regardless of gender, has a role in ensuring dignity for all.
Hello! My name is Sofonie Dala. I am the founder of Ladies Without Plastic and a proud Chevening Scholar pursuing my MSc in Environmental Sustainability Education and Communication at the University of York.
Did you know that the little strip of plastic on the back of a disposable pad is non-biodegradable and consumes vast amounts of fossil fuel to produce? Across a lifetime, the average menstruator in the UK uses over 11,000 disposable products—enough waste to fill a bus for just one person! Globally, disposable pads, made of up to 90% plastic, take centuries to decompose. Every year, these products generate over 200,000 tons of waste and release greenhouse gases equivalent to burning 35 million barrels of oil.
Ladies Without Plastic offers a better alternative. Our reusable menstrual pads are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and life-changing. These pads not only reduce waste but also feature written educational messages, encouraging women to read, learn, and engage. By integrating education into sustainable menstrual products, we empower women with knowledge, reduce period poverty, and inspire behavior change.
Did you know many women in Europe have used plastic-based menstrual products their entire lives, unaware of the environmental impact?
Can Menstruation Harm the Environment?
No.
Menstruation itself is a natural biological process, but the products we use for menstrual hygiene can have a significant environmental impact. The widespread use of disposable products like sanitary pads and tampons—often made from non-recyclable, non-biodegradable materials—poses a serious environmental threat. These items end up in landfills and pollute waterways, releasing harmful microplastics and contributing to a growing health and environmental crisis. The true damage lies not in the process of menstruation, but in the waste we create.
This initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3 for health, SDG 4 for quality education, SDG 5 for gender equality, SDG 12 for responsible consumption, and SDG 13 for climate action.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this initiative was introduced for the first time in the classroom at the University of York as part of our group discussions on menstrual health and environmental sustainability. Given the seriousness and the taboo surrounding these topics, I began by implementing two simulations designed to encourage deep reflection among participants. The first simulation highlighted the stigma surrounding menstruation and its impact on girls’ education, while the second focused on the environmental harm caused by plastic waste. Both exercises prompted critical thinking and emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues.
These simulations not only helped to break the silence around menstruation and plastic pollution but also reinforced the idea that solving these problems requires collective action. It is not the responsibility of one person alone, but a shared effort among families, communities, schools, universities, churches, and governments to create lasting change.
In the final segment of the discussion, participants were asked to write on the whiteboard:
1.The challenges of effectively communicating two critical ideas: breaking the taboo surrounding menstruation and advocating for the shift from plastic to reusable pads, particularly in both developed and developing nations.
2.Potential solutions to these communication challenges, along with identifying key individuals and organizations to spearhead these efforts.
Through the Ladies Without Plastic initiative, we provide a sustainable solution to both menstrual health and environmental challenges, offering reusable, eco-friendly menstrual pads that reduce waste and educate women on the importance of sustainable practices. By combining education with practical solutions, we empower women, reduce period poverty, and promote environmental responsibility.
Together, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
I cannot keep calm, I have been chosen for chevening
Ladies and Gentlemen,
My name is Sofonie Dala, and today, I stand before you with immense pride and joy. I am thrilled to share that I have been chosen for the Chevening Scholarship, a remarkable achievement that fills me with boundless enthusiasm.
Chevening is not just a scholarship; it is a transformative experience that offers the opportunity to study at prestigious institutions across the UK, develop leadership skills, and foster global connections. This program embodies the spirit of inclusivity and empowerment, aligning seamlessly with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 10.
SDG 4, Quality Education, emphasizes the importance of education in driving progress and equality. Chevening epitomizes this goal by providing world-class educational opportunities without discrimination. Regardless of race, disability, religion, gender, or age, Chevening stands as a beacon of hope for those eager to expand their horizons and make a meaningful impact.
Similarly, SDG 10, Reduced Inequalities, advocates for the reduction of disparities within and among countries. Chevening is a testament to this commitment. It offers a platform where diverse voices can be heard and where individuals from various backgrounds can collaborate, innovate, and drive positive change.
Since June, when I learned that my interview was successful, I have passionately advocated for Chevening, sharing my journey with every community I encounter. I have spoken to large audiences, encouraging women and people with disabilities to apply. I have also reached out to the PALOP community—referring to the Portuguese-speaking African countries of Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and São Tomé and Príncipe—emphasizing the importance of learning English, which opens numerous doors and opportunities.
I am deeply grateful to the Chevening team for their belief in me and for making this opportunity possible. I urge everyone here to consider applying for Chevening. It is not merely a chance to study; it is an invitation to become a leader, to break barriers, and to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world.
Thank you.
------Read in Portuguese --------
Senhoras e Senhores,
Meu nome é Sofonie Dala, e hoje, eu me apresento diante de vocês com imenso orgulho e alegria. Estou radiante em compartilhar que fui escolhida para a Bolsa Chevening, uma conquista extraordinária que me enche de entusiasmo.
Chevening não é apenas uma bolsa de estudos; é uma experiência transformadora que oferece a oportunidade de estudar em instituições prestigiadas no Reino Unido, desenvolver habilidades de liderança e promover conexões globais. Este programa reflete o espírito de inclusão e empoderamento, alinhando-se perfeitamente com os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) 4 e 10.
O ODS 4, Educação de Qualidade, enfatiza a importância da educação na promoção do progresso e da igualdade. Chevening personifica esse objetivo ao oferecer oportunidades educacionais de classe mundial sem discriminação. Independentemente de raça, deficiência, religião, gênero ou idade, Chevening é um farol de esperança para aqueles que desejam expandir seus horizontes e fazer um impacto significativo.
Da mesma forma, o ODS 10, Reduzir Desigualdades, defende a redução das disparidades dentro e entre os países. Chevening é um testemunho desse compromisso. Oferece uma plataforma onde vozes diversas podem ser ouvidas e onde indivíduos de diferentes origens podem colaborar, inovar e promover mudanças positivas.
Desde junho, quando soube que minha entrevista havia sido bem-sucedida, tenho defendido apaixonadamente o Chevening, compartilhando minha jornada com cada comunidade que encontro. Tenho falado para grandes audiências, incentivando mulheres e pessoas com deficiência a se inscreverem. Também alcancei a comunidade PALOP, que se refere aos Países Africanos de Língua Oficial Portuguesa (Angola, Moçambique, Cabo Verde, Guiné-Bissau e São Tomé e Príncipe), ressaltando a importância de aprender inglês, que abre inúmeras portas e oportunidades.
Estou profundamente agradecida à equipe do Chevening pela confiança em mim e por tornar essa oportunidade possível. Incentivo todos aqui a considerar se candidatar ao Chevening. Não é apenas uma chance de estudar; é um convite para se tornar um líder, quebrar barreiras e contribuir para um mundo mais inclusivo e equitativo.
