Across the country, Zambians are taking steps to protect themselves and their communities from the threat of COVID-19.  From minimizing the number of trips they take to shops and increasing the frequency of hand washing to wearing cloth masks in public spaces, Zambians are shifting their behavior in response to the new global reality. 

Yet for some, taking steps to protect themselves presents challenges. In the case of cloth masks, there is the cost to consider, and some can’t afford to buy them. So to help their community stay safe, the young women who are part of the Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS free, Mentored, and Safe (DREAMS) Kozo Initiative have decided to take action. 

The Kozo Initiative was designed under DREAMS to address the widespread problem of adolescent girls and young women missing school because they couldn’t afford menstrual hygiene products. Through the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Zambia DREAMS Project, 40 DREAMS centers across five provinces were equipped with sewing machines and supplies.  

DREAMS participants were then trained to make and sell affordable, reusable menstrual pads in their communities. Not only did the Kozo Initiative address menstrual absenteeism for vulnerable girls in DREAMS communities, it also provided the young seamstresses with a steady income.  In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, these young Zambian women are now using their sewing skills to make face masks to help slow the transmission of the virus in their communities.

The plan to sew reusable cloth masks came together quickly.  Over the course of two weeks, new patterns were prepared, elastic and materials procured, and the Kozo young women were trained in mask making along with important COVID-19 prevention measures (e.g. washing hands frequently, maintaining social distance, and others).  Appropriate materials for masks were selected in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Zambia Bureau of Standards. 

In line with Kozo’s original goals, participants feel proud to contribute to their community’s well-being, the communities are grateful to have access to affordable masks, and the sales are generating income to meet the needs of these young women. “The community highly appreciates that masks are being sold at a very affordable price - five kwacha - which is enabling the community to procure the masks and keep themselves safe from COVID-19.” says senior DREAMS manager Misozi Siwela.

The program is also marketing the masks to large corporate clients at a slightly higher price. This  allows them to keep prices low for community members and provide free masks for vulnerable adolescent girls and young women who are unable to purchase them. 

As of June 1, over 15,937 masks have been sewn, and the young women have made a 31,922 kwacha profit.  Continued income from mask sales provides for families and gives the young women financial independence.  Barbara from the Chelstone Dreams site explains, “[making masks] has helped me support my family to buy bread ...I don’t need to depend on anyone.” 

The U.S. government, through PEPFAR, has invested over $42 million in the DREAMS program since 2016. To date, DREAMS Zambia has provided over 480,000 adolescent girls and young women with critical services designed to reduce vulnerability to HIV.  Critical services for AGYW at DREAMS Centers will continue throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.