Menstruation is an often overlooked factor in understanding poor educational outcomes for girls in parts of Africa and other developing areas. Without access to sanitary products, many girls (and women) are often forced to use items like unsanitary rags, leaves or old newspapers to cope with their periods. Due to the lack of sufficient sanitation facilities at schools as well as an inability to purchase proper sanitary products, many girls can miss up to 6 weeks of school per year.
Project Dignity is one of several organizations devoted to providing access to sanitary products. For each box of menstrual cups purchased at participating locations, they promise to provide a free 3 month supply of menstrual cups to a girl in one of these developing areas. By providing access to sanitary products, projects like this can help increase educational outcomes for girls as well as addressing a public health issue.
RH Reality Check – Menstruation can be a curse
WomenCare Global – Project Dignity
