In Uganda, the management of menstruation continues to pose a significant hurdle for countless adolescent girls and women, compelling them to miss school and stay at home for several days each month, reveals a study conducted by the International Rescue Committee on menstrual health management in the country.
Safepad Uganda, a women-led organization committed to addressing menstrual hygiene challenges, has unveiled an innovative solution, Safepad, in a bid to combat the alarming rates of period poverty in the nation.
Trine Angeline Sig, the CEO of Safepad, emphasized the adverse impact of the lack of access to safe and consistent menstrual hygiene products in Uganda on the quality of life for millions of girls. At the product launch event held at the International University of East Africa (IUEA) in Kansanga, Kampala, Sig spoke about the organization’s goal to increase access to a high-quality, safe, and sustainable product at an affordable cost.
Sig highlighted the unique features of Safepad, including its antimicrobial treatment and durable materials that contribute to the product’s longevity. The thin yet highly absorbent pad dries quickly after washing, ensuring convenience for users. The antimicrobial treatment guarantees a bacteria-free experience, eliminating the need to dry the pads in the sun.
During an interview, Sig emphasized the product’s comfort, advanced absorption capabilities, and eco-friendly design, with a variety of sizes and styles available. Safepad will be accessible to the public through leading retailers at a cost as low as Shs8,500.
As part of their commitment to supporting menstrual health in Uganda, Sig mentioned that the Safepads production center is actively addressing gender-based socioeconomic discrepancies by creating jobs that empower women.
Scientific research supports the hygienic safety of reusable pads when washed and dried properly, as they are found to be free of odors or pathogens. In contrast, disposable sanitary pads, due to the chemicals they contain, emit an offensive smell upon contact with blood.
Statistics from the Ministry of Education and Sports reveal that approximately 23% of Ugandan girls aged 12-18 drop out of school upon reaching menstruation. Furthermore, a 2018 feasibility study titled “Menstrual Health and School Absenteeism Among Adolescent Girls in Uganda (MENISCUS)” by The BioMedical Centre indicates that school absence in Uganda increases to 28% during period days, compared to 7% on non-period days.
Through the introduction of Safepad, Safepad Uganda aims to make a significant impact on menstrual health in Uganda, addressing both the practical challenges faced by girls and women and the broader societal issues associated with period poverty.