Reusable Pads For Climate project outreach

Girl’s health, hygiene and Climate conservation are key concerns that have come up over the years across the world. The effects of climate change are visible across the world and they affect the girls and women the most. 

In many communities in Uganda, girls who menstruate are often forced to improvise materials to manage their periods, including rags, reusing already used pads, newspapers and even tree leaves because they can’t afford to buy or don’t have reliable access to safe menstrual products they need. This lack of sanitary station leads to menstruation stigma and affects girl child education. The use of conventional, disposable menstrual products is quite expensive and is harmful to the environment. Most sanitary pads contain up to 90% plastic, while tampons have 6% plastic.  The improper disposal of menstrual products (like wrapping them in polythene bags) fills up landfills and takes years to biodegrade. Some menstrual products that are flushed down the toilets, mean that disposable pads and tampons can end up in lakes and rivers.  This has a detrimental effect on humans, the wildlife and our habitats. 

As an organization, we came up with a project ( Reusable Pads for Climate) to helps girls who are menstruating as well as conserve the environment and climate. The Project Goal is to help move towards a world where girls understand their reproductive and sexual health options, and can preserve the climate.

the project aims at combating the stigma surrounding menstruation, promoting SRHR and combating climate change brought about by use of conventional sanitary pads. 

To spread awareness, we travel to schools around the country, and provide valuable education of technological skills as well. In every school – and community – visited, the girls  are specifically taught about their menstrual health, the issues of traditional plastic pads, and how they can join the effort to fight against the effects of climate change.

In one of the schools we visited, a session of climate education and menstrual health were conducted to both the boys and girls, with an aim of teaching them about climate change as well as tackling the stigma surrounding menstruation.  at the end of the sessions, we saw  a shift of attitude from conventional pads to acceptance of reusable pads.  the girls were excited to inform the rest of their relatives and friends about reusable pads and how they help to control climate change. The organization later gave out Afripads reusable pads to the girls and female teachers and four trees were planted. The students and teachers were receptive of the climate action message, around 8 students registered to become part of the program. A lot of enthusiasm was seen in the students. One of the students thanked the organization members and promised that they will continue to carry out what was taught and also teach the rest of the community.

The smiles and message acceptance are motivation enough to keep us spreading this message to other schools and communities. We believe through offering climate education and empowering these young girls and boys we are grooming a generation of Climate Soldiers and Empowered Women.

you can join us on this cause by visiting tngtiu.org to donate for a reusable pad and a tree

(https://tngtiu.org/pads-4-climate/)

whatsapp  or call [private contact information removed by moderator] for more information.