Tevel works with interns from Israel and around the world to help design and implement our work in the field. Orli Lesser from Washington, DC worked with Tevel this year and helped us to get to know our potential partners at Copper Rose Zambia. Orli initiated a needs assessment in Mphande about maternal health and menstrual hygiene. Read more about Orli’s experience:

“My name is Orli Lesser from Washington D.C. and I have a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology with a minor in Human Rights and am currently completing my master’s degree in African Sustainable Communities. I was fortunate enough to participate in an internship with two fantastic organizations – Copper Rose and Tevel b’Tzedek in Zambia. I learned how sexual reproductive health and menstrual health hygiene are essential to the well-being and development of young girls and women. 

In rural areas like Mphande, where Tevel operates, women and girls lack adequate WASH facilities, access to affordable and sanitary menstrual health products, and privacy. Barriers such as the inability to participate in school, social gatherings, cultural and religious practices, and work have detrimental economic and social costs affecting one’s livelihood and dignity. Due to the lack of menstrual health management education, cultural and social taboos, and myths, many women and girls face embarrassment, stigmatization, and shame while on their menstrual cycle. With this in mind, I decided to create a reusable pad and menstrual hygiene management training in Mphande where women can feel autonomous and empowered when managing their menstrual cycles.”