The current situation is that communities affected by poverty are largely held together by women and CBO's (community based organisations) run predominantly by women.  Shortage of cash to buy essentials and for transport, a shortage of amenities such as water, refuse collection and electricity, poor sanitation and no access to adequate toilets are the order of the day. Every day. Most support given to CBO’s is for the basics. Higher order needs, such as counselling and skills training, follow when possible. 

On a basic level these women do not have access to adequate sanitary ware (tampons/pads) if any at all.  They are stripped of dignity and disempowered. 

Could you imagine relying on donations of tampons/pads each month? Could you imagine menstruating and having to use cloths/rags, toilet paper, newspaper or nothing at all? These are methods that have financial, economic and social consequences.  The disposal of the tampons/pads is adding to the existing poor conditions in which these communities live without sanitation, toilets and refuse collection. They are polluting the very environment they are being asked to become empowered from.  Cloths/rags are extremely unhygienic as they are rarely washed thoroughly due to the limited water supply and cold water that is used.  Toilet paper is often taken from their place of employment to use when desperate.  And newspaper, well I can only say it is most definitely not a first choice by any stretch of the imagination.  For these women access to sanitary ware every cycle would be a complete unheard of luxury.   These women are disempowered on a basic level. 

The concern is that every which way this issue has been addressed to date has not been a sustainable and empowering solution.

How do we provide a sustainable solution?

Go to the link on the right Spreading our Sparkle for the answer!