WHEREAS, The Pan-African Sisterhood Health Initiative (P.A.S.H.I), founded by Maisha Sullivan-Ongoza and a group of artisans and quilters, was born out of a deep desire to provide dignity, health, and opportunity to young girls around the world and is dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of menstrual hygiene management by creating sustainable and healthy solutions for girls and women worldwide; and
WHEREAS, P.A.S.H.I. has harnessed the skills, passion for service, and deep commitment to global health of a group of volunteers at the Ujima Friends Peace Center in North Philadelphia, bringing together 25 to 35 women each week to create reusable, washable menstrual pads for girls and women in Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond; and
WHEREAS, A small, local project within the Sankofa Artisans Guild in 2019 has blossomed into an international effort with global reach, including training women in Zimbabwe to make reusable menstrual pads by hand in communities where sewing machines are scarce; and
WHEREAS, P.A.S.H.I. emphasizes both health and environmental sustainability locally and globally by advocating against the use of commercial menstrual products that contain harmful chemicals; and
WHEREAS, The initiative fosters a spirit of community and service, engaging not only the women who sew the pads but also volunteers who prepare pouches for storage, cut fabric, and contribute to the success of the effort; and
WHEREAS, P.A.S.H.I. has built strong relationships with local organizations, including Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter and Imhotep Institute Charter High School, where students actively participate in learning how to make reusable pads as part of a broader menstrual hygiene education program; and
WHEREAS, P.A.S.H.I. has inspired and empowered young people, with Imhotep's cheer team initially volunteering and now independently making pads, demonstrating a youth-led, adult-supported model of service, ensuring that future generations continue to champion menstrual health initiatives; and
WHEREAS, The P.A.S.H.I.’s initiative extends its impact locally by collaborating with community centers, churches, and health organizations to distribute reusable pads to those in need within Philadelphia and beyond; and
WHEREAS, P.A.S.H.I.’s influence extends beyond its immediate community through programs such as the Mandela Washington Fellows, where young African leaders learn from the initiative and bring back knowledge to start similar projects in their home countries; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Recognizes the Pan-African Sisterhood Health Initiative for its unwavering dedication to improving menstrual health, advancing educational opportunities for girls, and fostering global solidarity.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That we commend the founders, artisans, volunteers, students, and supporters of P.A.S.H.I. for their selfless contributions and commitment to both local and international communities.
FINALLY RESOLVED, That we celebrate P.A.S.H.I.’s profound impact in transforming lives and call for continued support and expansion of such crucial initiatives that uphold dignity, health, and education for all.
End