Webisode from 26 November 2021
Our Africa Educates her Campaign season 5 is on going
Ladies without plastic - key to reduce our carbon footprints
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our green menstruation challenge, where we provide positive workshops and raise awareness about alternative and sustainable menstruation methods!
In developing countries, many girls drop out of school because they cannot afford sanitary pads and tampons. Disposable tampons and pads aren't sustainable, but do women want to talk about it?
Deolinda will share with us about her hygiene preferences and what she thinks about sanitary products.
Good evening girl!
Good evening dear.
How old are you?
I'm 14 years old.
What is your name?
My name is Deolinda.
Okay. Which of these pads do you use?
I use disposable pad.
Why?
Because it's softer and it takes less work to wear.
Why don't you prefer the cloth absorbent?
Because in addition to washing and drying, this is also disgusting and smells bad.
So you don't like using the washable pad because you don't want to smell blood?
Yes, it is disgusting.
Have you ever used the cloth absorbent?
Yes.
Didn't you like the experience?
I didn't like it, it's disgusting, so I prefer to use the disposable pad.
But did you know that disposable absorbent contains plastics that pollute the environment?
Yes, I knew.
And do you still use it?
Yes.
Don't you plan to stop using it someday?
I think it will be impossible.
Not at all, other alternatives are being produced, such as the silicone menstrual cups and washable pads. They are more economical and accessible.
Period poverty is a significant barrier, with girls having to drop out of school because they simply can't afford the menstruation products they need.
What are the options?
While there are sustainable alternatives on the market, such as silicon menstrual cups, reusable pads and unbleached/organic cotton varieties of disposables, these all remain niche options without huge marketing budgets behind them.
The same solutions that will make menstruation more sustainable for women in the developed world are what will make it bearable for women in the developing world, who are even more limited in their options.
Interesting links about Deolinda:
