They are environmentally the good option but I have reservations towards distribution of these reusable pads to vulnerable groups, especially those that don’t have easy access to water, soap, etc. They are likely to suffer infections that are poor hygiene related.

They are okay, but in terms of hygiene no, no. Some of the girls don’t wash these reusable pads very well and end up getting infections instead. I am thinking about disinfection mostly. That area (vergina) can easily catch infections. And medication to treat such infections is another cost all together.

• My concern is on hygiene. How do we maintain good hygiene of these reusable pads?
• How many pieces of reusable pads should each girl or woman have
• How many times a day should one change?
• How do you ensure reusable pads are leak proof? That seems the concern of the users.
• Are the leak proof materials also washed?
• How does one ensure the blood stains aren’t visible?

Also, in the communities, ladies are not comfortable hanging them in the open to get direct sunlight. So, for me, I would use them but for those other categories, I think they need disposables with sensitization measures of proper disposal.

Other Alternative Menstrual Products

• Apart from reusable organic pads, are there ways to make disposable ones as well?

Yes, we can embrace the organic ones made from paper, sisal and banana fibres. However, the challenge is in the technology, as most of them need some machinery.

• Can the donors take this risk to invest in the machinery and technology?
• And also bring in experts to train people on how to make these organic ones?

This is so that reusable ones aren’t the only option, especially for the already vulnerable beneficiaries.

As for the menstrual cup, that one, I reserve my comments. They would actually be one of the best, but our people will never insert something in their pussy cats (verginas). It is both a cultural and natural thing. So, by far the reusable pad is the most efficient in this context.

Profiled photo credit @ Ateker Peace Caravan

The views contained in this post were shared via a Karimojong WhatsApp group in conversation on “Reusable menstruation pads under scrutiny in Uganda” post published on our CPAR Uganda website. Useful grassroots knowledge which feeds well into informing our menstrual hygiene campaign. Click here to read more about it and please do make a donation.

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