Ms. Ludmila Mero serves as a scriptwriter consultant at Development Media International. As Co-founder and Team Leader of the Abraço de Mana Project, Ludmila spearheaded a community development initiative funded by the United States Government. Prior to her work with the Abraço de Mana Project, Ludmila served as a Communication and Information Officer at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Mozambique. In this capacity, she led communication strategy implementation efforts, producing impactful television and radio campaigns advocating against Gender-Based Violence and promoting political participation. She also previously served as a Producer at Miramar Television, where she gained hands-on experience in program supervision and marketing strategy development, and as a Content Producer for the Health Nutrition and HIV Mozambique (H2N) project. She holds a degree in Linguistics from Eduardo Mondlane University. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Empowering Women Through Sustainable Menstrual Health Solutions in Nampula province: Artisanal Sanitary Pad Production Workshops

This project addresses the challenges faced by girls in Nampula, Mozambique, by empowering them to produce handmade and reusable menstrual pads and providing information on sexual and reproductive rights. Faced with a lack of access to sanitary pads and unawareness of menstrual care, many girls discontinue their education. The project seeks to reduce dependence on expensive and inaccessible commercial products and to combat school dropout due to menstruation and early pregnancy.  

Over a two-day period in August, Ludmila’s project successfully trained 40 girls in the districts of Rapale and Meconta in the Nampula Province. The training focused on sexual and reproductive rights and included an interactive session on assembling handmade, reusable sanitary pads. 

Following the monitoring and evaluation process in November, a more detailed analysis of the project’s impact will be shared. Ludmila shares that “Some girls used to miss school during their menstruation. However, after learning how to produce the sanitary pads, they now attend school even while menstruating.” 

 

“Through strategic partnerships and innovative communication strategies, I envision a community where access to sustainable hygiene products and reproductive rights are not just aspirations but tangible realities.” Ludmila Mero 

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Ludmila participated in the IVLP Project NGO Management II organized by the U.S. Department of State and World Learning, in partnership with the International Center of the Capital Region, Georgia Council for International Visitors, Global Minnesota, Global Ties Kansas City, International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles, and the New York Program Branch.  

Ludmila’s exchange experience led to the development of her project. She gained invaluable insights into the role of non-profit organizations in promoting civil society engagement and democracy, aligning with her passion for impactful communication and community development. 

“My participation in the International Visitor Leadership Program, particularly during the NGO Management Project in Albany, New York, ignited a profound sense of purpose within me. Interacting with Mrs. Ellie VonWellsheim, Program Director at The MoonCatcher Project […] inspired me to take action in my own community.” - Ludmila Mero

U.S. Communities Visited

Los Angeles, CA; Washington, DC; Atlanta, GA; Minneapolis, MN; Albany, NY; New York City, NY 

Country: Mozambique

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