"I joined PASHI in 2021 and have never had a moment of regret. The motivation behind this organization has led me to a deeper appreciation of the capacity to love and defend the defenseless. Overcoming the tough grind with dedication and courage is a testament to the power and purpose of PASHI. Seeing the inspiring response to PASHI’s labor of love feeds my spirit. I am honored to be a part of PASHI’s growth and impact on humanity.”

“ I joined PASHI in 2019. It has been a joy and privilege to contribute to African girls health and their ability to complete their education.”

“At first, I was naive about female bodies. I was the oldest child of 11 brothers and sisters. My mother would send me to the local store for groceries, including menstrual pads. During my younger years, I would wait until almost everyone left the store, on days when I was also sent to get menstrual pads. 

Later, my five daughters opened my eyes to the female body. Then, it was about my daughters being healthy, slim, in shape, and supported. 
When I read PASHI’s online request for volunteers in 2020, I knew my daughters would approve of me joining, and I have been a regular member since. 
I felt this project was something the global community needed. I was aware of the impact this project would have in just a matter of time. Being the only consistent male in the group allows me to appreciate the joy in the volunteers' voices or the smiles on their faces. That joy stems from the impact of what we produce as a team, making reusable pads together and making a quality product.

"When I first came to PASHI in 2025, I knew I was passionate about sewing ... what I didn't know was how much I would be passionate about the purpose and the people I have befriended. Wednesdays are my favorite day of the week!"

“I am PASHI.
The Pan African Sisterhood Health Initiative was just what I needed! I was an excited and willing spirit to do what I could to help resolve the menstrual pad problem for women and girls less fortunate than I. 
As a retiree, I had some free time, sewing talents, and enthusiasm to help make what I feel is an excellent solution to the problem of not having to use socks, leaves mixed with mud, rags, or old mattress stuffings to get through those necessary monthly menstrual cycle days. 

Making reusable menstrual pads! What a great idea!
PASHI welcomed me into their family like I was their long-lost sister. They explained, trained, and put me to work immediately, reinforcing my feelings that I was helping to solve a worldwide problem with whatever part I could do to help. I so enjoy assembling, sewing, or pressing the pads to get them ready for another PASHI member to do their part to finish the product. We work together to produce a quality, useful product, which I am proud of.
PASHI comprises women and an extraordinary man from all walks of life, ages, and races who share many different backgrounds, and we are thrilled to volunteer together for such a magnificent, benevolent cause. 
When you freely contribute to another’s well-being, it surely makes you a valuable PASHI human being.”

“I found PASHI online and came to donate fabric. But when I walked in and felt the atmosphere of warmth and laughter while everyone was working, I asked if I could stay. Maisha said yes and I’ve been there for more than 3 years, rarely missing a week. I look forward to Wednesdays: the camaraderie, the laughter, the GOOD FOOD, and the sense of doing something useful. Thank you, PASHI members for welcoming this white girl!”

"I came to PASHI by way of my sister in law (Maisha). I always dreamed of giving back to humanity and thank God I found a way of doing so by volunteering my time to PASHI after I retired. I have since developed a positive and meaningful relationship with my PASHI sisters, whom I have grown to love, respect, and care about. This union has brought together all walks of life and faith, with our shared goal of making reusable menstruation pads and pouches for girls, so that their education is not interrupted. 

In PASHI, we celebrate each other’s achievements, big and small. Our group has a special and unique man who is 80 years young. He is our “Baba (Art)” who is always available to us. He is also a loving father of 5 girls, now women, for he knows the importance of menstrual hygiene management and does not shy away from the topic. 

PASHI is a one-of-a-kind place. One minute, you are laughing, and the next, you are filled with emotion when you see the smiles on the faces of the girls when they receive their reusable pads near and far. These menstrual pads can be reused with proper care for up to 3 or 4 years. 

If you want to give back to others, please consider the Pan African Sisterhood Health Initiative (PASHI) as your place to do so. We welcome you.”

My PASHI Experience:
I inherited my love for serving and helping others from my Auntie and Mama...Seeing their tireless efforts serving in their church and neighborhood set the standard for their legacies. The difference is in the skill set we each bring to our projects. 

"My passion is sewing. The “Church Ladies,” as we are affectionately called, came to PASHI, extending our gift of sewing dresses for the Children of Uganda Project. Since collaborating with PASHI, our mission has expanded to include making reusable pads and pouches since 2023.
Giving by serving others means contributing your time and talents to meet the needs of others. It’s rewarding, especially when you know the women and young girls recipients are thankful and appreciative. The good news is out that PASHI follows the mantra,” Each one, Teach one” as a guiding principle. It’s both comforting and stimulating when we can train other groups to do this.   Google calls it a “Helpers High”.
I’m thrilled to be part of this creative family of workers.

“Sometime in 2023, I was scrolling through Facebook and viewed a posting from the Pan African Sisterhood Health Initiative (PASHI), of which I was happy to know it was located in Philadelphia, PA. I was already part of an annual Mission to travel to Uganda; therefore, I was well aware of the need for a dignified option to manage menstrual cycles among girls living in developing countries. Intrigued, I decided to visit the Sisterhood one Wednesday, and I have been connected to this awesome Sisterhood since then. 

I shared this positive effort with my Mission partner, Mama Sandie, and a group of women now known as the "church ladies' who also joined PASHI’s weekly sewing group, where they made it known that there are many non-sewing roles that people can help with.

After spending weeks making the beautiful Reusable Pads, our team traveled to Uganda in 2024 with a suitcase full of Pads and pouches for schoolgirls in the rural areas. What a blessing to experience the excitement and appreciation of distributing the Pads in February 2024 and 2025 to over 600 young women. 

Not only does the purpose of making the reusable Pads and Pouches have a great impact on a young girls life, the added benefit of meeting a diverse group of Sisters and Brothers weekly that are involved in making the reusable pads has enriched my life. I look forward to this caring fellowship of learning and fun times with each other.”