The Developing World's Problem With Periods

On May 29th, Menstrual Hygiene Day, SBS Life acknowledged the difficulties that periods create for many of the girls in the communities where CAMFED works, and for girls around the world. 

CAMA leader Fiona Mavhinga spoke with Kimberly Gillan for a great article that brings this issue to the forefront.

During the interview, Gillan learned, “at about $1-$2 for a 10-pack of pads, Mavhinga says many families can’t afford sanitary supplies…Most girls end up staying home for up to seven days a month, which she says has a significant impact on their education.”

Unbelievable as it may seem, in many areas of the world, safe sanitary products are expensive and inaccessible, and menstruation is still seen as taboo. Therefore, the missed days of school can lead to high drop-out rates. That is why one of the ways that CAMFED supports girls is by providing disposable and safe sanitary napkins to the students we support.

Fiona also spoke with Glamour magazine on the topic of menstruation affecting education in an article you can read here.